Fallen Eagle

Chapter 70: The Truth Comes Forth

Hello my faithful readers and welcome back! I can't tell you guys how happy I was to see not just a lot of people trying to guess who was on the other side of the door to Dr. Shots' office, but also how many people were thrilled that Applejack is now confirmed to be pregnant. Even after I tricked you guys into saying it wouldn't happen, some of you never gave up hope.

axelialea: Well, this chapter's purpose is to confirm that Applejack is pregnant to everyone

Nostalgia Cop: A Cougar doesn't run! :D

Monkeyboy0118: Hehe, excellent! I'm happy my story has evoked so many emotions out of people

Caleb200888: No problem! To be fair though, it was always going to happen, I just didn't want it to be rushed

OBSERVOR01: You'll just have to wait and find out :P

SkullRabbit775: Well, I already have a name and species chosen, but thanks for giving me some suggestions

headreviewermk2: Haha! Yes, that's totally Pinkie Pie!

Furi Poi: Well, you'll just have to find out! :D

Anonanon-E-Mouse: Yeah, that was actually pretty fun to think about both what their kid could be and how AJ and Ivan would go about it. They couldn't really be their normal selves since this was such a sucker punch for the both of them

WarHusky2000: Man I love how excited people are to see this!

sheppard741: And I look forward to everyone's reaction to it

StacheKing: Nearly twenty-five chapters later, and your prediction came true. I can't imagine how happy you are, bro :D And as for the grammar thing, I apologize; I've just been so swamped lately and my focus on the story needs readjusting. Luckily with my new schedule I've made for my channel and this story, that'll realign itself. And as for the question and bet, you'll just have to wait and see.

So, before we get to the chapter, I have to say I have been SO thrilled with Season 7 so far. I love the slice of life stories we've been given and the development we got for Starlight and her friendship with Trixie, and the expanding upon Maud as well. Just a warning though, I know that Canada is getting two new episodes per week, but I am not following their schedule; I follow Discovery Family's release schedule and luckily a bunch of my YouTube friends are as well. So please, if you yourself are following Canada's release, please do NOT spoil any episodes for me, thank you.

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Despite being one of the mother of all mind fucks, everyone took what I and Applejack had to say rather well, or at least calmly. It was none other than Pinkie whose screech alerted the three of us in Dr. Shots' office that we weren't as isolated as we'd thought. From what Luna told us, after the door slowly opened with a creak akin to a horror film, everyone had left her chambers shortly after AJ and I had, claiming that they were too worried with Applejack's condition to stay behind and wait for us to return. Apparently they had reached Dr. Shots' office door when he dropped the news that the second test was in fact positive, so they were not eavesdropping; I never thought of them to be ones to do so anyway.

Thankfully, everyone kept a level head about this, even though they obviously had questions to ask, and we all found ourselves sitting in a circle in the infirmary's main room while I explained everything that we knew to our friends with AJ cutting in when she needed. It may have been our friends that we could trust with our lives, but it also felt as if we were on trial for a murder with all the evidence pointing against us. The mare in question had laid her head on my lap, allowing me to stroke my hand down the length of her mane and her back. This surprise still had not hit anyone harder than Applejack, so it didn't puzzle me if she was mentally drained and needed a little rest. If only I could snap my fingers and lift her spirits back up so she could be the loud, spry, tough, and loving mare I fell for….if only. "And….that's all we know about this, everything," I concluded with a tired sigh, still running my hand down AJ's back to bring her as much comfort as possible.

"That is," Celestia, who was sitting next to me, paused for a moment and held her hoof to her head, "quite the story and conundrum, Cougar."

"Biggest understatement in history, princess," Bon Bon remarked, still wide eyed as Lyra shushed her. My biggest concern, other than of course my girlfriend potentially carrying our child, was her brother eyeballing the two of us across the circle we were all sitting in. He didn't appear angry nor skeptical of me. Big Mac was simply staring at us, myself in particular, rarely blinking.

"I-If I may?" Twilight politely raised her hoof. I gave her a subtle nod and she continued. "I thought it was impossible for your species' DNA to, you know, work together with our own?"

"Oh trust us Twilight," Applejack raised her head from my lap, shifting her gaze over to the Princess of Friendship's direction, "everythin' we thought we knew doesn't mean a damn thing anymore," she shook her head. No one else, not even Luna or Pinkie, had anything more to say. We had pretty much covered all the bases possible, but even then, the shock of this all could've left anyone speechless if even Pinkie had little to say.

"Well," Celestia cleared her throat, her elegant voice shattering the silence and tapping her front hooves on the floor, "a-are you and Applejack 100% sure that she is pregnant?" My hand came to a frozen stop halfway down Applejack's back; I looked up at the princess with a rough gulp. "O-or were you planning to perform a more thorough test before we all stumbled upon this?"

"Based on all I know and the two tests they've presented," Dr. Shots took over, "I'm 99% positive that she is, your highness." Celestia looked from AJ and me to the unicorn doctor several times, trying to analyze the current events.

"AJ and I talked about maybe a blood test when we had more time," I resumed petting my girlfriend, "but Dr. Shots also offered to take a sample from my DNA to look over and see if I'm a bit closer genetically to all of you than I thought," I turned to Twilight, trying to give her an answer to her previous question. The violet mare gave me a little smile in return.

"Absolutely," Dr. Shots nodded. "And although the circumstances may have changed, I'm still happy to do that for you, Cougar," he offered, peering over the top of his glasses.

"I say, would you like some assistance with that, Shots?" Dr. Whooves' accent punctured through the soft tension in the air. "I don't mean to take anything away from you, but just to speed up the process for our friends."

"You're a medical doctor too, Dr. Whooves?" Fluttershy asked.

"No my dear, but I do have some field experience in biology; looking at cells and whatnot," the scientist explained to the animal lover.

"Of course, Dr. Whooves. Anything to help our friends get the answers they deserve quicker." I should've been happier, much happier, that we had some extra hooves on standby to help us, but there was one thought still lingering above me. Something that, even if their tests determined I could reproduce with ponies, would've only raised more questions than answered them.

"Hold on," Twilight suddenly stood up from her spot. "I think I've got an idea."

"What is it, Twily?" Her older brother looked behind his shoulder at the alicorn. Twilight's small smile gradually grew into a grin as she turned to her former mentor.

"I think there may be a way to help you two get at least one answer right now."

"How's that, Twilight?" Applejack stood up as well, though she stuck right next me. I was almost too lost in my own thoughts to hear the spark of positivity in AJ's voice, almost.

"We're going to have to leave testing Cougar's DNA to Dr. Shots and Dr. Whooves, but Princess Celestia," she turned to the larger alicorn, "do you think you and I could scan Applejack's body to see if she really is pregnant?" Twilight asked. Now this caught my attention.

"Wait, how exactly does that work?" I asked. "If it's like an X-Ray or a sonogram, I think the infirmary can handle that, right?"

"It'd be far too early for a sonogram on your marefriend, Cougar," Luna chimed in, her wing blanketed over her husband's back per the norm. "But I can see where Twilight Sparkle is coming from."

"Indeed," Celestia said, her voice piqued with interest. "It's a complicated spell that was invented centuries ago when technology such as pregnancy tests were not yet available," she explained.

"Yes, but I'm sure the two of us can handle it, princess," Twilight replied. "That is, if you two are okay with that option," she faced us.

"Just to be safe, when you mean complicated, you don't mean dangerous do you?" I asked, tightening my grip on Applejack. I would trust Celestia and Twilight with anything, but that still didn't stop me from being protective over AJ.

"Of course not," Celestia reassured me. "No harm will come to Applejack; this spell is just difficult to perform if one hasn't practiced on a regular schedule," she explained. "But with Twilight Sparkle and myself, we should be able to see if Applejack is indeed carrying your child."

"What do you think, Applejack?" I slipped my fingers to the back of her head, scratching underneath her Stetson. She turned her head in my direction, but her eyes were looking away as she thought.

"Ah'm okay with it," her eyes drifted up until they met mine. "We came here ta get a straight answer anyway. Ah know this ain't what we had planned, Sugarcube, but Ah don't think we should pass up this chance; Ah just wanna get this over with so we can know," the mare said sweetly, her hoof grazing the side of my cheek. I took a deep breath and bent down, kissing her forehead.

"As long as you don't have an issue with it, AJ," I whispered before pulling away. Both non-pregnant alicorns were now standing in the middle of the circle, awaiting a response from either myself or my girlfriend. AJ pecked my cheek and pushed herself up from my lap, sighing heavily. Even though we were confident she was pregnant, and that this was just a triple check confirmation, I thought the DNA test wouldn't really prove anything; it would only raise more questions than answers no matter the outcome. Though, it would really throw a curveball if the test showed I wasn't compatible with equine DNA, then what the hell were we looking at? Applejack being unfaithful to me was simply out of the question, and I prayed no one would consider that.

Except that could also play into my earlier theory that Discord may have had a role in this, doing something to Applejack instead of myself, however, to help us create a child together. But, if the test proved I was able to reproduce with mares...

"I-Ivan?" AJ stuttered.

"Huh?" I blinked, looking around to find everyone staring at me. I suddenly felt a gentle tug on my hand and gazed down to see Applejack trying to ease her hoof out of my hand.

"Are ya sure yer okay with this, Sugarcube?" What was burning in the back of my mind was now screaming in agony to be let out, and before I knew it, I stood up in front of Applejack and everyone else in the room. I finally let go of her hoof, realizing that I'd allowed my thoughts to entrance me and block out reality. 'Shit!' I thought. Now I looked as if I was having second thoughts about Celestia and Twilight's assistance.

"Is there a problem, Cougar?" Celestia asked, concerned as she moved her way around Twilight.

"Yeah, isn't getting an answer the whole reason you guys came here?" Rainbow's scratchy voice entered the picture for the first time since the group arrived in the infirmary.

"Celestia, I'm not worried about you and Twilight doing this to Applejack; I trust you both enough to do this, you know that," I hastily assured the regal mare. I had to keep myself calm so I wouldn't act like I was trying to hide something, which I wasn't, but my current behavior would certainly insert that thought into a few minds.

"Then why wouldn't you let Applejack go?" Twilight inquired, her eyes narrowing at me. My wandering mind had placed a bet for me, and now I had to explain myself or else I would be bombarded with questions about interrupting Celestia and Twilight.

"I'm sorry for that, Applejack," I apologized. "I-I didn't even know I was holding onto your hoof. There's just one thing about this that doesn't add up," I tried to explain. Thankfully, AJ was more confused and concerned with me instead of upset or angry for delaying Celestia and Twilight.

"Just one thing?" Spike raised an eyebrow, only to have his mother whirl around and shush him.

"Were you wanting to discuss it further, Cougar?" Twilight asked me. "I've no qualms with it if you do; this spell doesn't take a long time to perform as long as Celestia and I are completely focused."

"I-I'm still lost on how this is possible; I won't love Applejack any less or think about leaving her if she is pregnant. I can't stop thinking about it, no matter how hard I try," I explained, my voice becoming quieter with each word. It didn't take long for not only Applejack's hoof caressing my cheek, but for a few of my friends to wrap their forelegs around my torso.

"It's okay, Cougar," Pinkie said, squeezing me tight as she, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, and Luna hugged me. "We're confused too."

"Ivan?" Applejack asked me lovingly. "Ah'm plum puzzled too, ya know that, Sugarcube. But it'll be okay; Dr. Shots 'n Dr. Whooves'll get a look at yer DNA soon after Twilight 'n Princess Celestia are done with me. Then we can talk about how this is happen' while they're takin' a gander at ya, Ah promise." With no arguments coming from me, I sighed in defeat and gave the mare one last hug before surrendering my efforts and allowing her to go.

"We'd better give them some space," Fluttershy commented, backing away from the middle of the circle. I backed myself to my original spot, feeling a little empty without Applejack. Yet, I soon felt the silky strokes of one of Luna's wings running down my back, putting my body and mind at ease for the time being. Based on the two positive tests and the fact that my girlfriend was period free for about six and a half weeks, there was a pretty safe bet that she was with child; this spell by Celestia and Twilight would just be the final confirmation, but the logic behind all of this eluded me. Unfortunately, pondering about that particular subject would have to wait; Twilight and Celestia were about to begin their check up on Applejack.

"All right Twilight, Princess Celestia, Ah'm ready whenever y'all are," Applejack announced and removed her stetson, setting it down the floor next to her. "This ain't gonna hurt, right?" She asked before the two princesses began.

"You may feel a slight pinch, but nothing beyond that, if at all," Twilight smiled at her friend. The violet alicorn's horn charged up with her magic aura, as did the horn of Celestia with her own golden glow. The duo closed their eyes, and their magic slowly emitted out of their horns, intertwining with one another and suddenly engulfed Applejack's body.

"Hmm?" I faced Luna once her wing gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"Would you like to talk with me about what's on your mind?" The Princess of the Night and Dreams offered. Confused because Twilight and Celestia said they needed perfect concentration, I bit my lower lip before replying to my friend in a whisper.

"Right now? Are you sure?" I pointed toward the ritual that was still ongoing in front of us.

"Oh," Luna lowered her voice's volume to just above a whisper, "as long as we're not distracting, everything will be fine," the alicorn's silver plated hoof appeared, overturned and expecting my hand to take it. Just to be polite, I curled my hand around her hoof, sighing audibly. "You listened to every word of my own when I was having doubts about myself earlier," she reminded, "I'm more than willing to do the same for you, my friend."

"Okay," I exhaled, raising my voice to the same volume as Luna's. "I'm sorry that I'm a bit of wreck mentally right now."

"Please, don't apologize," Luna's wing gently pulled me closer to her before wrapping itself all the way around my back like a blanket. "These are perfectly understandable circumstances to feel this way, Cougar." I'd be lying if I said Luna's comfort wasn't helping, but I was still rather distracted even with the magenta and gold light show dancing around Applejack.

"I just…I wish I knew how this could've happened, Luna. I'm not completely against the idea of AJ and I becoming parents; I'm just lost on everything."

"You two are not the only ones confounded, Cougar, believe me," her hoof squeezed my hand. "And I understand it is something that needs to be addressed, but I do believe you're worrying yourself too much over how this is happening," she remarked cautiously.

"You may be right, Luna, but I don't think testing my blood sample, or whatever Dr. Shots and Dr. Whooves plan to use, will answer everything."

"You must have faith in them as you do in your friends, especially your special somepony, Cougar. I'm more than certain that Dr. Shots and Dr. Whooves will be able to determine how and why you may be able to procreate with Applejack."

"Oh I do trust them, Luna," I glanced sideways at the alicorn, "it's just that, I'm concerned that whatever they find will only lead to more questions." One of Luna's feathers suddenly touched its end to my lips.

"That may be so, but as I said before, we will all still be here to assist you and Applejack in uncovering the truth; you needn't go this alone," she smiled. "And even if my sister and Twilight Sparkle's spell confirms it, you will have the support of your many friends to help you bring this truly magical miracle of the gods to the world." Truth be told, ever since AJ and I arrived in the infirmary, I hadn't thought too much about the baby itself. Sure, we'd discussed what it may look like, and how a part of Applejack was wanting to be a mom, but I'd been so wrapped up in other unknowns aside from the how, that I barely considered the joy of starting a family with the mare I loved.

"I-it is a miracle," I muttered, a small smile forming on my face.

"Of course it is, Cougar," Luna's wing rubbed my arm up and down. "One that, once we understand this, I know you and Applejack will embrace." I was on the verge of saying something else when Twilight cut me off.

"Th-that's it then," she stuttered. My heart began to pound so hard and fast I thought would burst from my chest. Celestia softly set a hoof on Applejack's shoulder; the latter mare was shivering from having magic coursed through her entire body. I knew the feeling from the many spells Twilight performed on me.

"Are you feeling okay, Applejack?" Celestia asked kindly and levitated Applejack's hat into her hoof.

"Y-yeah, Ah just feel a lil weird from that is all." Applejack inhaled a shaky breath before slipping her stetson on and retreating back to where I was standing; Celestia's hoof hit the floor with a quiet clink. The orange mare immediately rested her cheek in my waiting hand, nuzzling it.

"Hey," was all I could say, happy to have her back at my side.

"Hey," she repeated, looking up at me with her still tired eyes. "Thank ya fer yer help, Twilight, princess," Applejack swiveled her head around toward the two alicorns.

"Please, don't mention it, Applejack," Celestia bowed her head. She seemed to be acting normal to me, but Twilight was another story entirely. The bookworm was attempting to replicate her former mentor's calm and collected attitude, but her shrunken pupils and slightly agape mouth shone through her ruse.

"So, is she pregnant, or not, auntie?" Blueblood inquired as politely as he could. I was a little surprised no one else asked or said anything besides the prince, but considering what exactly was going on, tense silence was to be expected. Celestia pursed her lip before sighing.

"We'll find out when Cougar and Applejack are ready, nephew." Blueblood silently and politely gave a singular, respectful nod to his aunt in reply. Applejack gradually returned her gaze to me and gulped.

"W-well, there ain't no reason ta drag this on any further Sugarcube," she remarked. "Ah'm done with bein' in the dark."

"I-I know," I whispered, tracing my fingers around her freckles. "Twilight, Celestia?" I called out to the alicorn duo. "Please, what's the verdict?" I never looked away from Applejack.

"Would you like to tell them, Twilight?" Celestia offered. I could hear the violet alicorn's front hooves rapidly tapping the floor next to us, and, in my peripheral vision, see her biting her lip. "Or should I?"

Twilight's hoof tapping gradually slowed to a stop before she performed the breathing exercise Cadence showed her. I braced myself, knowing that that was the only clue I needed to know what her answer would be.

"Don't be nervous, Sugarcube," Applejack assured me.

"Ahem, Cougar, Applejack?" Twilight cautiously approached us. The two of us faced our high strung friend, complete with shrunken pupils and nibbling on her lip. "I'll say this as best as I can," she put her hoof to the side of her head. "Congratulations, you're both going to be parents…" Applejack and I both missed a breath and widened our eyes. The answer sacked me like the Terminator punching through my stomach. We'd expected that ever since we got Dr. Shots' opinion, but to hear it actually be 100% undeniable, was a lightheaded experience.

I hadn't a clue how to react. I wanted to be happy that I would be a father to the child of the woman I loved, but I was also feeling scared for our future and how much it would change our lives at the farm. And….what would her family think of this when most of them hadn't even met me yet? The strangest part is, no one else said a thing or made a sound. Even the ticking of the infirmary clock was silent, as if time itself was frozen from Twilight's announcement.

Everyone else was shocked as well, and only a select few had said a word since they arrived. But I had expected at least a few to say something along the lines of 'Wow,' or, 'Oh my,' or maybe even 'Holy buck.' A few gasps was all we received from anyone, though pinpointing them to anyone in particular was an impossible task. I wondered if they were waiting for us to say anything.

"Th-that's great," my mouth twitched as I forced it to smile through my number of other thoughts. I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against Applejack's and peered right into her own eyes.

"E-Eyup," she gulped, her mouth twitching as well. I couldn't help myself; I threw my arms around my girlfriend and held her close to me. I didn't want to be any further apart from her than now, and she felt the same way. Applejack mirrored my movements and buried her head into my chest, running her hooves up and down my back.

"W-W-We're happy for you two," Rarity stuttered quietly, struggling to smile like myself and Applejack. Though, like AJ, Twilight, and myself, she sounded more puzzled than happy, not that I could blame her.

"A-Absolutely," Starlight as well was having difficulty sounding genuinely positive. Soon after, more and more of our friends joined in with their own disjointed well wishes. Of course, a few simply nodded, and that was fine with us.

"At least Luna and Checkered's baby will have a little playmate now besides Pound and Pumpkin!" Pinkie exclaimed, sounding like her usual self to lighten the mood. No one bothered to correct her that Cadence was also pregnant, not even the pink alicorn herself or Twilight.

"Yes," Luna agreed, "Checkered and I wish you and Applejack good luck with your child, Cougar."

"Indeed, and we have no doubts that you two will make a wonderful mother and father," Celestia chimed in.

"Thank ya, princesses," Applejack replied, lifting her head from my chest and resting her chin in my shoulder. "We're sorry y'all. We'd like ta be more enthusiastic, but it's just-"

"A lot to take in?" Cadence guessed. Applejack and I both looked toward the Princess of Love and nodded with pursed lips.

"Considering the circumstances, none of us can blame you," Twilight sadly replied. "I mean, none of us are really bouncing off the walls about this either," she explained as she rejoined Flash and Spike.

"Believe us though," Cheerilee spoke up, "we really are happy for you, right Big Mac?" She nudged the red stallion. Big MacIntosh pouted his lips a little as he stared downward at his hooves and back at the two of us.

"Eeeeeeeyup," he said in a long drawn out reply. I knew full well he wouldn't do anything to me or else he'd have to deal with Applejack, but I had a feeling there was a good possibility he'd be having a private conversation with me soon.

"Thanks everyone," I finally said something. "I'm actually glad to share this with all of you," my faltering smile grew. "I just wish I could show how happy I really feel," I squeezed AJ's shoulder, to which the mare nodded in agreement. At the very least, once the how was finally squared away, AJ, I, and all of our friends could share the happiness trying to break out. Even if there were still several important issues weighing on both my and Applejack's minds about our future. Luna chuckled and patted both of our backs with her wing.

"I believe I know what you'd like to do next to remedy that," my friend motioned to the side with her head. One quick glance in the direction she pointed at with her horn showed us that she was referring to both Dr. Whooves and Dr. Shots. The pair of stallions suddenly jolted when they realized that they were being addressed by Luna.

"O-Oh yes, your test, Cougar!" Dr. Shots' magic adjusted his glasses on his muzzle. "Nurse Redheart, would you mind grabbing me a box of cotton swabs from my office please? I believe a saliva test will suffice," the unicorn requested. However, and as much as I knew this might upset both Applejack and Luna, before the scientist could do anything in response, I interrupted.

"Hold on just a second," I said much louder than I'd been since I'd started talking to everyone in the room.

"Hmm?" Dr. Whooves looked at me curiously.

"Sugarcube? Ah thought y'all didn't want ta wait any longer?" Applejack inevitably asked.

"Well, I don't want to keep dragging this out, Applejack," I looked solemnly from her to Luna, "but I just don't think testing my DNA will help with anything," I said as honestly as I could. A chorus of confusion quietly rang out inside the infirmary, even from Nurse Redheart who was still tending to the injured guard that Celestia and Luna made swear to secrecy.

"Heh? But we agreed this'd be the best thing ta do ta find out how Ah'm pregnant, Ivan," Applejack shook her head and darted her eyes about. "Remember?"

"Of course I do, hun, but is this testing on me going to solve anything?"

"Cougar….." Luna said in a rather grim tone. "You and I already had this discussion about trusting our friends to help you."

"And I do trust them Luna," I assured her, "except your sister and Twilight just confirmed I did impregnate Applejack, so obviously my genes are compatible with mares in your world."

"Yes, that is true for now," Dr. Whooves cleared his throat. "Yet, our objective is to help you uncover the why and the how, Mr. Cougar. With your DNA, we can find out any number of possibilities: Are your genes simply compatible when you thought not? Did your biologic makeup mutate when you crossed that inter dimensional rift into our realm whilst keeping your physical form the same? Or perhaps, your genetic makeup remained the same, but crossing over allowed a mare's reproductive system to mutate your reproductive, ahem, fluids," he blushed, "into compatible material to procreate?"

Well, that shut me the hell up. Now a little bit of my concern, not all of it, but some, washed away as I was genuinely intrigued to any of these possibilities. The word miracle seemed a little more appropriate now, especially if that final scenario was the truth. "I-I'm sorry I had my doubts," I apologized and faced Twilight. "But can you please explain one thing to me, Twilight?" Applejack gave me a gentle jab in the ribs, furrowing her eyebrows.

"O-Oh, sure?" Twilight around my surprise request right as Nurse Redheart appeared with a box of cotton swabs. "Is this what you couldn't figure out earlier?"

"Kind of. Since you're omniscient with spells, do you know of any that could make a male fertile with a female of a different species? Or vice versa?" I heard Applejack quietly snort from beside me. I knew she didn't like my theory about Discord earlier, but I needed to get this started.

"Why would you want to know something like that?" Lyra scratched her head with her hoof.

"Because until Dr. Whooves here gave us his theories about this, that was my only answer for how Applejack is pregnant," I explained. Every alicorn and unicorn in the room, minus Lyra, gave each other a funny look while everyone else gave me the exact same look.

"There is a small hooffull of spells like that, Cougar," Twilight uneasily replied. "Except they're rarely used, and aren't really recommended. Only a few times have they worked out; most of the time they leave the one who the spell was casted on sterile."

"Yes, but why did you come up with this theory in particular?" Luna asked.

"And whom do you think would be the one to cast it upon you?" Celestia joined her sister's puzzlement. Applejack already knew of my idea about Discord being behind it, but there was someone else that popped into my head before Applejack shut the idea down on our way to the infirmary. I didn't want to think I was harshly accusing anyone, so I had to choose my words wisely.

"Well, going off Dr. Whooves' ideas, let's say I was able to father kids with mares all along, or crossing over gave me the ability to?"

"All right, what about them?" Pinkie Pie raised her hoof in the air.

"Applejack and I were intimate on Hearts and Hooves Day. And I understand that intimacy isn't a guarantee every time that mare will get pregnant, but we also made love all throughout Estrus in March, one of two times of the year when mares' pregnancy possibilities skyrocket, yet she didn't get pregnant until the night of Luna and Checkered's wedding."

The box of cotton swabs in Dr. Shots' hoof clattered to the floor; everyone just realized why I had my earlier doubts of the DNA test's necessity, even if I now understood the other potentials for answers it held. "I…don't know what to say about that," Fluttershy admitted.

"That's all I can think of to explain that little hole. Other than that, I'm lost," I explained. "But, if that is the case, I want you all to know that I believe whoever may have done it did it for good intentions."

"And you think this had to have happened after Estrus, right Cougar?" Spike asked. I gave him a quick nod in reply. "Okay, then who do you think did it?" I sighed and gave Applejack a nudge. Seeing as how I already told her about Discord being a likely suspect, I saw no harm in allowing her to take the floor for this one. I also wanted the chance to think about how I would reveal the identity of my second and last idea; they were in the room with us, and I didn't want to upset them.

"Well, Ivan done told me he thinks that maybe Discord could've been the one ta do somethin'," Applejack said point blank. It didn't take very long for the pony most likely to respond first to say something.

"Wh-What?" Fluttershy gasped, raising her voice to levels high for her. "Why would Discord do something like that to you, Cougar? He might still be a little mischievous, but he'd never do anything as serious as this anymore!" She defended her secret crush as if he'd just been accused of murder.

"Fluttershy," I said gently, "I'm not trying to get him in trouble or anything, believe me. Like I said before, if he did, I'd like to think he had good intentions. For whatever reason I wouldn't know, but good intentions nonetheless."

"Sorry Sugarcube, but Ah still side with Fluttershy on this one. It's strange ta say this, but Ah really do think he's matured past somethin' like that." I didn't say everybody had to agree with me; I wrapped my arm around Applejack and hugged her tight, letting her know I wasn't mad at her for shooting down my idea for a second time.

"Discord would be the most obvious one in this case," Twilight said timidly, not wanting to crush Fluttershy like I wished to avoid as well. "But I have to agree with Fluttershy and Applejack until we can get a confirmation from Discord himself." Again, it was just a hunch that I had no evidence to back up, but at least we were finally talking about this.

"I suppose we'll have to ask him the next time he is in our company," Celestia clicked her tongue. "Or in your company," she gestured over to the girls, AJ, and myself. "I truly have no clue for certain," she assured Fluttershy, "but it's safe to explore all possibilities until we find an answer." Fluttershy's body ceased trembling once she inhaled a deep breath, nodding very slowly.

"If we do ask him, Fluttershy, I promise I won't act like he's guilty or treat him like a criminal. I'll be straightforward, but as nice as I can be," I said to try and placate her.

"I-I think it would be better if I asked him," the buttery pegasus said in a trembling whisper.

"Well, he does trust you more than anypony," Rainbow shrugged, "I don't think Cougar would have any problems with that," she cocked an eyebrow in my direction.

"No, no I wouldn't, but only if you're comfortable asking him that, Fluttershy. I don't want you to feel like we're forcing you." Fluttershy shook her head back and forth in response.

"You're not," she replied.

"Hey, if it makes you feel any better, he's not the only one I think could've done this," I said, wanting to get the spotlight off Fluttershy for having to ask one of her best friends if he pulled an underhanded trick, even if it was for a good cause.

"Really?" Applejack whipped her head around so fast that the ponytail on her mane smacked the opposite side of her neck. "Ivan, Sugarcube, who else coulda done that ta y'all? An' why?" Gone was my advantage of having the suspect on my list absent from the room; I'd have to deal with their reaction here and now, especially those of her friends and family.

"Please, don't be angry with me," I exhaled sharply, "the same thing I said about Discord applies here as well." Several of my friends all began to ask who I was referring to before my eyes landed on one of the four alicorns in the room, a certain pink one that was pregnant and the Princess of Love. Her own eyes locked onto mine, staring at me for a moment before she realized my silent answer.

"Y-you think I did this?" Cadence asked, putting her hoof to her chest with a twinge of pain in her eyes and voice.

"What?!" Shining Armor and Twilight shrieked.

"You and Discord were the only two I could think of," I said as honestly and gently as I could. "And I don't hold any-"

"No, this…this is just ridiculous!" Twilight's wings unfurled from her torso as she grit her teeth and glared at me. "Cadence would never do something as drastic as this, especially without consulting a couple about it. And even then she'd never do it!" I expected more than just Cadence to have an unhappy response, specifically Twilight and Shining Armor, but I was fearing Twilight may turn me inside out for saying this. Hell, Luna and Celestia seemed pissed at my idea too.

"I don't believe you understand what our niece's royal title truly means," Luna said in a calm yet heavy manner.

"Hey, I don't know. She's the Princess of Love, right? She helped me see that I was in love with Applejack, and she was a big supporter for our relationship succeeding. I-I just thought-" I stopped talking when the still hurt alicorn stood up with a grunt. However, rather than copying what her sister-in-law did, Cadence gently pushed her own wing against Twilight's chest and shook her head. The smaller alicorn slowly relaxed her body and backed down, yet she still glared at me.

Cadence then folded her wing back up against her torso and turned her attention to me, the hint of sadness still in her eye. "I-I didn't mean to hurt you or anything Cadence," I swore.

"Cougar," she began under her breath, "I am the Princess of Love, you're correct. However, the most I would ever do, and have ever done, is give advice to those who ask for it, help quell arguments between couples, or even give some ponies a push in the right direction. What you're talking about is just too far. I have absolutely no right to choose when a couple has a child; that is something to decide between the ones in the relationship. I can give them my thoughts, but casting a pregnancy spell, or a spell like you're referring to is just….awful to force on anypony, no matter if they had good intentions."

Despite the difference in height between myself and Cadence, the latter's tone of her speech made me feel like I was Spike's size before he grew. I didn't need to hear another word from the pink alicorn to know she was innocent. "O-Okay then," I gulped. She quickly held her hoof to her chest and inhaled as deeply as someone performing yoga.

"I'm happy to help you and Applejack with anything, but not with something as personal and deep as that," Cadence exhaled, putting her hoof on my shoulder.

"I-I'm sorry, Cadence, really," I replied, my voice full of sorrow. "I'm just desperate for answers; you and Discord were the only ones I could think of, but I'd never hate either of you if it were true. And if you say you wouldn't do something this drastic, then I believe you."

"You know, at least Cougar didn't outright point at Cadence and demand her for an answer," Starlight suddenly spoke out. I peered around Cadence as everyone turned to the aforementioned unicorn. She and I weren't on the best of terms yet, so I was definitely shocked she was coming to my defense. "It was just a hunch, albeit with no real evidence, but I can't fault him for drawing to those possible conclusions considering what a convoluted situation he's in."

"Well, Ah can't really argue with ya there, Starlight," Applejack admitted.

"Thanks Starlight," I threw her a bone and gave the unicorn a smile. She looked back at me and returned the smile with a bow of her head. "I just don't understand it though. Cadence is innocent, we know that now, but if we talk to Discord and we find out he's innocent as well, where does that leave us?"

"The DNA test, of course, Cougar," Luna reminded me, her voice back to normal.

"All I'm saying is something happened to me after either Hearts and Hooves Day or Estrus because I'm sure my DNA couldn't just spontaneously change for no reason at all. I might buy that it mutated or morphed when I first crossed over, but it doesn't make sense if it changed all by itself one day in between Hearts and Hooves Day and Luna and Checkered's wedding. And believe me, I'm ruling out that I was compatible all along."

"Did you ever think maybe it took your body's genetic makeup some time to adapt to its new home?" Dr. Whooves questioned.

"Well, no," I shrugged. "I mean, the only thing that really happened in that timespan was going to Draconia to rescue Luna, but come on, bringing her home isn't going to grant me the ability father kids." Everyone shot confused glances at one another, unsure of what to say in response. With Cadence out of the question and the possibility of Discord doing something becoming slimmer and slimmer, we were running out of options.

"You may be surprised by what we can find out from this test, Co-" Dr. Shots said before, out of nowhere, Celestia collapsed onto her rump, shaking in her golden hoof plates.

"Sister?" Luna said worriedly, running around me and to her sister.

"Tia?" Glock put a hoof to her back. She looked almost like she was possessed with how small her pupils had shrunk, how much she was shaking, and how raspy her breathing was.

"Oh no….." were the only two words out of her mouth.

"I didn't say anything out of line, did I?"

"Princess Celestia, what's wrong?" Twilight asked with grave concerns for her former mentor. The pearly white alicorn clenched her eyes shut before looking over at me.

"C-Cougar."

"Y-Your highness?" I stammered, more confused than I'd been all day.

"I….I think I know why this happened…."

End Chapter 70

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So, now the characters finally know that Applejack is pregnant, but what does Celestia know about this? I think you're all in for a good twist! What do you guys think is the reason Ivan fathered a child with Applejack?

Don't forget to review, and thanks for returning, my loyal readers!