You failed, and comfort means SQUAT

"Morning to UNITED EQUESTRIA and All who live in it," the scratchy voicy called out from the radio. Her lively and upbeat voice matched perfectly with the music that closed out the theme that played, "And you are listening to K-COLT, the freest and baddest station in the land. I am your sexy and talented host, DJPON3 and with me is the lovely and drop dead goregous grum, Octavia!"

The upper class voice that responded, gave off an air of repluse at being called a grump, "Yes, thank you for that introduction Vinyl."

Vinyl seemed to ignore the sarcasim in her friend's voice as she continued, "No problem, Tavi. Now, we will be our show with some updates on the war front and it aint looking good folks. Since the war began two weeks ago, it has been hit after hit against us. Conquest as struck city after city, leaving rubble and ruin in his wake. What towns aren't razed to the ground are right now under his control."

"When asked about a counterattack plan or what seems to be his strategdy," Octacia said, sighing, "Grand ruler had this to say."

"Oh, I am going to love this," Vinyl grumbled.

"'We are positive he has no plan and that he has stayed true to what all villians have fallen for. Predictability, we will remain strong against him.' and when asked about help from the other nations he added 'We are united Equestria, we will stand strong and proud like we always have. We will not lower ourselves to requesting for help from other nations."

"Essientally saying that he has no idea and we are alon in this," Vinyl grumbled. "Sadly, the commander Lighting Dawn had echoed similar statements, 'We are Starfleet, and we will protect the ponies that we care about.' Wich will be news to the ones we lost since they have failed to save even one city. To counter the stupid, Queen Celestia had stated 'His pattern of attack seems to be moving in a circular pattern along our boarders. I believe his assualts are an attempt to close us off and isolate us. When he has blocked us off, he will be moving inward to the inner towns and settlements.'"

" To go along with her statement, Lt. Applejack has stated, 'Ah know it looks rough out there, and it is. But, don't be scared, Ah promise we will do all we can to stop more towns from being taken. In the meantime, pray for those families you lost.'" Octavia read form the paper.

"And I just want to add-look guys and gals, I know there are rules that he set up for you all. I know you are told to hide in the barriers and bunkers, but they don't work anymore! The enemy knows how to bust them and they will kill you. So, I say, if you see a boar coming at you...kick his ass! Look, we may not have all of that training and strength, but we are strong where its important, and i say its time we showe that strength. You may not win, but you can make those boars have to pay for some hefty medical bills."

"You make it sound so simple Vinyl," Octavia siad warmly.

Vinyl chuckled, "Its how I see it. Now, how about instead of depression, we have some awesome music tostart the day.

Rarity turned up the music to let it play as she turned back to her sewing machine. While it may not have been as strenuous as farmwork or as fast as being an acrobat, being behind a sewing kit excited her all the same. There was a smile that smeared across her lips as she went to work on her latest creation, watching as the thread and fabric became one under the machine's rhythmic pounding. Sparing a quick look to her mannequins, she began to frown slightly as she looked at the funeral garb that she had made. While Starfleet ept her away from her workplace, she still would come and make outfits when she could. However, it seemed that every other day, she would get a family member asking for a black outfit. It pained her to turn her beautiful work into a memorial service.

Turning back to her work, she wiped a tear that she did not realize had rolled down her cheek and focused. This was when a familiar sensation began to rumble in her belly, "No, not now!" she moaned as her pale coat began to turn green. Running away from her workplace, she took to the bathroom and quickly emptie her stomach of the dinner that Spike had made her the night before. After paying tribute to the porcelain altar, the unicorn lifted her head up to look in the mirror, "All right, enough is enough! I am going to the doctor right now!"

---

Rarity sat in the hospital room, scanning over the white room with her dark blue eyes. The truth was, she wanted to find something to take her mind off of being in a hospital at that moment. She always felt a little nervous about being in the waiting room of such a place, whether it was because they were always so plain or it was the lack of anything to make it stand out. Leaning back, her mind took her back in time to another reason as to why she was afraid of hospitals...

"But why daddy? Why can't I see my new sister, and where's mother?" young Rarity asked.

"Your mom and little sister just had some problems in the delivery. Don't ya worry none, they'll-" he paused, a tear rolling down his cheek, "be fine."

She let loose a groan as she shuddered and went back to her wondering, "Thank Celestia that both Sweetie and mother came out of it alive," Rarity whispered to herself. Turning her head, she saw a small magazine lying on the table and picked it up. Running her fingers along the cover, she put on a tearful smile as she read it.

Latest fashions! Lt. Twilight Sparkle talks about her best dresses.

Rarity couldn't help but sigh contently as she looked at her friend dressed in the outfit that she had made. It was a little plain, but it helped to show off the bookish alicorn's features perfectly. A faint chuckle came to the fashion girl as she remembered how long she worked on that dress to make it look spectacular," Miss Belle?" called the receptionist. When Rarity looked up, the white unicorn nodded, "Nurse Redheart will see you now. The tests are done."

Rarity nodded and put away the book. As she walked in, she was grateful that Nurse Redheart stood her ground on retaining her position in the hospital. Not that she didn't trust Penny Scillion, but she was the type of girl that believed in staying with the doctor you knew and trusted. Sitting on a chair across from the white earth mare, she sighed, "So, what is it miss Redheart? Do i have some sort of horrible disease that I can never overcome? A heart condition? A virus?"

"No, you aren't sick," giggled Redheart at Rarity's theatrics. "Unless...you count being pregnant a sickness."

This news caused Rarity's jaw to drop, "I-I-I...what?"

"Congratulations, Miss Belle," Nurse Redheart said, holding out her hand. "You are going to be a mother. See?" and then she brought out a small picture that she had took, "There is a little heart beat, and the beginnings of little legs and arms."

Rarity sat there in shock as she looked over the evidence, her voice caught in her throat. When she found her voice again, she began to cry a little, "I-I'm pregnant. I'm really pregant!"

"I suppose you might want to tell the father?" asked Redheart, smiling a little.

"Oh yes, yes I do! I want to tell the world, I want to tell the love of my life, my friends! Oh, this is the most wonderful of news!" Rarity cried out.

Redheart giggled and began writing on a piece of paper, "I understand your enthusiasm, miss Belle. I am going to let you go, but I want you to come by three days from now for a prenatal check up. You know, so we discuss things like what to do and how to be healthy."

"I know, Redheart. My mother told me some of these things when she had Sweetie Belle," Rarity smiled. "Oh, this is wonderful!" she exclaimed as she hugged the nurse and walked out of the building. The big grin never leaving her face, she let out a mirthful laugh as she fell back onto a nearby bench.

The white unicorn began to breath a little softer now as she laid her arm over her forehead, watching as the clouds rolled above her in the sky. Trying her best not to giggle when she saw some of the the pegasi mold clouds into shapes that looked vaguely baby related. Hearing some ponies talk, she turned her head to look at a passing by family. A little girl held onto her mother's hand while the father pushed a baby stroller along the road. For the briefest of seconds, she thought that she saw herself and Spike in the next few years. Reaching out with her right hand, she pretended to pat the child on the head and sighed contently. Then she heard a sob from behind her. Looking over the back of the bench, she saw a sight that made her heart sink and destroy her otherwise happy mood.

"There there, mam, it will be o-"

The mare in black yelled, "Don't say that! It will never be ok! My husband and son are dead...it will never be ok again."

As Rarity watched the weeping mare walk away from the hospital, she sank back into her seat with an uncomfortable moan. Her mind quickly reminded herself that she was in the middle of a way, any one of them could die at that moment. Looking down, she rubbed her belly gently in thought, "Do I really want you to be born now, in a war?" she asked herself as she began to ponder.

---

"Rarity, my lady? I'm home!" Spike said as he walked into the boutique. "Sorry for keeping you waiting but Belle needed help moving into the treebary and I knew that place better than anypony." As he closed the door, he noticed the lack of Rarity or noise from inside her workroom. With a quick look down at the ground, he saw rose petals and sapphires leading from the front door to the stairs and up. A look of lust and hunger came to his lips as the significance of each quickly came to his mind. It was all he could do to stop himself from ripping his own clothes to shreds and run up the stairs to take advantage of his lady that await him.

Instead, he chose to slowly strip his clothes from his body as he took his steps up the stairs. A low chuckle came from his lips as he walked to the top of the stairs and to his bedroom, and smiled lustfully as he caught sight of his prize.

Laying on the bed was Rarity, wearing a dark-violet nightgown that helped to empathise her breasts. She had her legs draped over one another, hiding her see through panties. As she laid before her lover, she slowly ran her hand along her stomach and to her lips, "Want to open your present, my dashing knight?" asked Rarity with a husky voice.

Nodding, Spike walked onto the bed and laid her onto her back. Leaning in, he kissed his love softly on the lips and began to rub her legs, "Oh, Rarity...you are so beautiful."

"Thank you, my love. However, I think you should open my robe to see something special," Rarity blushed, as she ran her hand along Spike's pecs.

Curiously, Spike did so, pulling the nightgown apart at her stomach to reveal the white belly. What he saw made him pull back in shock. Written, in blue frosting on her stomach, were the words 'Baby on board'. Spike let out a gasp before stuttering, "W-w-wait, does that mean. Are we?" When she nodded, Spike wrapped his arms around his lady and kissed her deeply.

Moaning a little, Rarity returned the kiss n full, running her hands along his scaled chest. After a moment, she pulled away and smiled, "Yes, Spike my love. I am pregnant with our baby." removing her hand, she placed it on her stomach and sighed contently.

Spike then caught a glint of something in Rarity's eyes, "MY lady, are you all right?"

Rarity sighed and turned away, sitting on the be with her legs over the side, "Its just that, while i am happy to be with child, I am so afraid."

"Afraid?" Asked Spike as he looked over her shoulder.

"I am afraid of bringing a baby into this war, of letting it be born in such harsh times. Conquest, he is one of the more powerful foes we have eer fought! And they need me more than ever. If i see this through to term, then I will be responsible for weakening my friends strength. If they were to die because of my selfish action," tears began to well up in her eyes, "I will never forgive myself."

"Does this mean that you want to abort it?" Spike asked with a shudder.

Rarity nodded, "I have thought about it, really. But, do I have the right to do it? This baby maybe the only thing I have of you to remember by, if the worst were to happen. We conceived this child before we even knew that we were at war, it didn't asked to be conceived around this time, it doesn't know. W-what if the war ends tomorrow or next week? I will have aborted the child for nothing," tears began to flow down her face, "and what if there is a complication? I could die, or my uterus could be ruined forever, or who knows what else! I might lose my ability to have children forever, and it might be all for nothing!"

Spike watched as Rarity put her face into her hands and began to cry. Reaching over to her, he wrapped his arms around her, "Rarity...no matter what you choose," he whispered in her ear as he pulled her close, "I will be there for you."

"Oh, Spike,' Rarity said as she rubbed her face into Spike's chest, "Hold me tonight. I just need to feel someone close."

"Sure thing, my love," Spike whispered.

---

"Ya know why rarity and Spike wanted us to come to Sugar Cube Corner?" Applejack asked, looking to her fellow companions.

Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Maybe it's got something to do with why we haven't seen her in three days."

"Well, Spike did say she was hard at work on your new armor," Belle said, following the group.

Pinkie was about to say something else when she opened the door to her home. As she looked in and saw Rarity, her eyes opened wide in shock, "Oh, my Celestia...You're pregnant!"

Rarity smiled, "My friends we have something import-Wait, you knew Pinkie?"

As Pinkie Pie ran to hug her, the party pony rolled her blue eyes and said, "Rarity, i was around Mrs. Cake when she had the twins. I have hosted thirty baby showers, I know what a pregnant mare looks like. You have certain little signs."

"Signs?" Rarity asked.

"Yuppers! Like you look at other ponies kids and you sigh contently thinking about your own kid," Pinkie said, as Rarity sighed when she saw Pumpkin walking through the house. Smiling, she added, "You take small looks at your boyfriend, knowing that he and you made something special. And you will sometimes just smile for no good reason."

"Well, i don't think i do all that," Rarity said, looking back at Spike and smiling at him. Turning to look at her friends she said, "It's true...I'm pregnant!"

Fluttershy opened her eyes wide and smiled as she flew to her friend and gave her a gentle hug, "Oh, Rarity, I am so happy for you both. Congratulations."

"Thank you Fluttershy. I am a little surprised that I am the first of the six of us to have a child on the way," Rarity said, looking to Fluttershy's eyes.

Rainbow Dash gave Spike a high five, "Nice job Spike! Not engaged for a year and already put a bun in the oven!"

Spike let out a chuckle and blushed at the compliment, "Um, thanks."

"I may not have known your Twilight Sparkle, but I can say this, i think she would be happy for the both of you," Belle said, hugging each one.

"Thank you all," Rarity said with a smile, and then looked to where Applejack stood. She saw how the earth mare stood with arms crossed and eyes narrowed, "Applejack, what is wrong?"

"Are you sure about this, sugarcube?" Applejack asked, putting one leg over the other. "A baby is a big responsibility, and it's going to take a lot out of you. You won't be able to be with us."

Rarity sighed, "I won't lie, I did have a long time to think about all of this. Me and Spike spent the last three days talking about it. We argued, we discussed, and we even broke up at least three times. But, after discussing it, I decided that yes...this is what I want to do. i want this baby more than anything."

A soft smile went along Applejack's lips as she walked over to Rarity and hugged her friend close, "Then Ah couldn't be happier for you, Rarity. It's just...going to be hard fighting out there without you."

"Oh, don't worry," Rarity said, shaking her head. "I don't know how,but I WILL find a way to fight by your side still. I will not abandon any one of you."

"And even if you can't, i'm sure we'll be fine with the dragon knight over here," Rainbow Dash bragged.

"That's the other announcement," Spike objected. "I'm not going to fight with you anymore."

"What?" exclaimed the group.

Spike sighed, "Don't get me wrong, guys. Fighting by your side for this past year, has been great! Its been a blast standing by your side and fighting the demons, but I have been doing a lot of thinking. All of this, fighting with my life on the line and battling to protect others and knowing that if i fail, somepony could die? IT's not me, it isn't who I am," he sighed and looked towards Rarity. "I am a defender, a protector. I am the guy who stays behind and makes sure that you guys have a home to return to. And you know what? I am ok with that. Someone has to be around to make sure that Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are safe. There has to be someone to protect the homestead, and I can be that dragon."

There was a silence in the room for a few minutes, until Rainbow Dash stepped forward and gave him a hug, "We're gonna miss ya, big guy."

"No you won't," Spike said, tearing up a little. "You'll have each other like you alway will."

"We're gonna miss ya," Applejack said, hugging the drake.

"I will too," Spike said.

"What did you do with the armor?" Fluttershy asked.

Spike smiled back at Rarity, "I gave it to Rarity. She is going to use it in making the new armor."

Belle smiled and hugged Spike, "I think you are doing the right thing."

"Thanks," Spike said softly.

"Hey, what are we doing being all mopey?" Pinkie asked. "this is a party! Let's go ahead and have a congratulations-Rarity-for-being-pregnant-and-to-Spike-for-finding-his-true-destiny-party!"

The mars in the roo all smiled at Pinkie, unable to disagree with the request.

As the party rolled on, Belle walked over to Rarity and took her aside, "Miss Rarity, I think i have a solution to your 'problem."

Rarity arched an eyebrow at this, "And that would be?"

"Well, i found this book..."

---

Two days later, and Applejack and Rainbow dash found themselves outside the door to the boutique, "So, what do ya think this surprise is/'

"Maybe its that armor, she has been working on it for years," Dash grumble, only to get nudged from applejack.

"Aw you big baby, it ain't been that long," Applejack rolled her eye. "IT's only been a month."

"Yeah, but it feels like forever," Dash grumbled as she saw Rarity standing there. craning her head to the side, she asked, "So what's the suprise?"

"That there are two of me," Rarity said appearing from behind the door, the other Rarity standing still. As the two mares let out gasps of shock, Rarity happily skipped over to the other standing Rarity, "Lovely isn't it?"

"What is it?" Applejack asked, lightly tapping the second rarity.

Rarity giggled at the touch, and then pointed to the still standing Rarity, "This, dear friends, is a homoculous. It's made thanks to Zebra magic."

"Zebra...you mean Zecora helped you with this?" Rainbow dash asked.

"Yes, she made it with clay and bark and its infused with my magic," Rarity said, indicating her glowing horn. She then began to move its arms and legs,"It moves when I do, and i see and hear what it does. IT's magically linked to me."

Applejack looked on in amazement, "So, it won't hurt you at all?"

"Well, not physically," Rarity said, turning off her horn. As the doll crumbled to the ground, she began to sway a little, "It does drain my magic a lot and leaves me a little weak. Not enough to harm the baby, mind, but enough that I can't move for a while. Also, if it dies, i will feel quite a bit of psychic feedback."

"Ok, that sounds dangerous," Dash replied.

Rarity stood up, "Its not, actually. Zecora says zebras used these to help in dangerous areas where zebras can't reach in an emergency. The pshyic feedback is closer to getting a bad headache than anything else."

"This is fantastic rare," Rainbow Dash said, smiling.

Applejack shook her head, "Ah don't know, are you sure putting a strain on your magic won't hurt your baby?"

"Well, I won't know until I speak with Nurse Redheart about it," she then looked up at a nearby clock. "Speaking of which, I'm late! Spike said he would meet me outside the hospital." With that, she got up and ran out of the building to the Ponyville general.

After a few minutes, the white unicorn and her lover found themselves sitting in front of the desk of Nurse Redheart, hearing all of the details of the baby. Rarity began to giggle happily as she pointed to the magically created ultrasound, "Look at it Spike, isn't it adorable."

Spike smiled as he ran his claw along the photo, tracing the tail and claws, "Wow, thats...thats my, i mean, our, I-"

Redheart smiled softly, "As you can see, the baby is developing quite nicely. You can even see its claws and tail."

"Claws? um, I don't have to worry about it-"

"No, you won't. Cats don't claw their mother's wombs right," Nurse Redheart said with a smile. She then sighed and rubbed her forehead with her fingers, "To be honest, miss Belle, I am truly guessing on some parts of the fetus's development. Kirins are such a rare breed here in Equestria. Even in the dragon areas of Fillydelphia don't have that much on kirins or how they grow."

As Spike heard this, he put a claw to his chin in thought, "So, if i could get somepony to help out-"

"It would be a great help, she could help Rarity with some of the more complicated parts of the pregnancy," Redheart smiled at Spike. At this, Spike nodded and walked out of the door, "Where are you going?"

"To get some backup," Spike said, smiling.

It took a few hours for said backup to arrive as the purple drake and his lady waited outside of the boutique for the arrival, "Spike, dear, just who on earth is this help that you got?"

"You'll see," Spike said, winking back at Rarity as she drank her strawberry milkshake. Looking up at the sky, he smiled brightly as he waved at a distant dot, "Oh, there she is. MINA!"

"Mina? Her?" Rarity growled, a pang of jealousy creasing her brow.

"Spike!" shouted a light brown dragon as she flew to the ground, wrapping her arms around the drake's neck. Giggling, her pink hair flapped about as she hugged her friend, "It's so good to see you."

"Spike, precious scales," Rarity hissed as she got out of the chair. "Who is this...is there something that I have not been told?"

"Oh, forgot," Spike chuckled as he put a hand behind his head. "This is Mina, a friend of mine. We met at a comic con in Fillydelphia a few years ago."

"Just, a friend?" asked Rarity with an eyebrow arched.

Mina looked to Rarity and then back to Spike before gasping, "You think I-that me and Spike would-Hahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahhahaha! Look your boyfriend is cute and all, but he really isn't my type."

"Oh so you're a les-"

"Ponyphile, yes. I prefer them with hooves and a little tail," Mina quickly interrupted. Smiling she leaned in and asked, "So, you wouldn't happen to know any cute single stallions here?"

Rarity blushed at her assumption and let out a sheepish chuckle, "Oh, I am so sorry, I thought that...nevermind. Spike says that you could help me know more about my pregnancy? How?"

"Well, my uncle married and had a baby with this one mare that visited Filly once. I think her name was Suri Polomare or something," Mina said, thinking back. "I was there for the entire pregnancy and can definitely give you a few pointers. Oh, this is so exciting, I so love seeing little pony babies and kirins, they are so cute! So, want a few pointers."

"Um, sure," Rarity said, shocked at the speed that Mina had started talking, "Spike, be a dear and get us drinks."

Spike put his hands on his hips, and stared at the girls, "No way. This is my baby too you know. I have as much of a need to hear this advice too."

"Ok, i guess you will be fine as we talk about lactation, womanly issues, increased mammary size, leaking, and-" Rarity giggled as her talking was interrupted by the sound of Spike running away. Turning to face Mina, Rarity asked, "So, what kind of advice can you give?"

"Well, first of all, you'll be experiencing weirder cravings that what pony would normally get," Mina began.

Rarity cracked her head to the side, "Weirder?"

"You'll start wanting diamonds, as in eating them," Mina said, much to Rarity's horror. "Don't worry, its natural. Also, expect to have just a wee bit worse mood swings than usual. Then when the baby is born, her desire for milk will still continue after her teeth came in."

"What?" squeaked rarity as she covered her chest.

"Don't worry, just start mashing up some diamonds and you'll have it," Mina said as Spike came back with drinks. "Of course, then you have to deal with-"

---

As the pony and two dragons began their talk of the future and the incoming arrival, life seemed to be heading on a new course for another pony. As Fluttershy found herself standing in front of the door of her husband's family home, "Now remember, First impression. That is the most important lesson," Rhymey said, straightening up his outfit.

"Yes dear," Fluttershy barely muttered, keeping her head low and out of sight. She knew what 'first impression' truly meant. She was to shut up, and be seen not heard. She let out a sigh as the next few minutes seemed to happen without her. The door opened, and Ryhmey's family welcomed them both into their house. For the next several minutes they would talk and ll she would do is nod to their questions. When it came time for introductions, she would become less of a pony and more of a statue. Deep down, she continued to feel less of a pony and just a trophy wife for Rhymey.

The demure pegasus let out a sigh and looked out the window. Across the sky, she could see Cloudsdale in the distance, shining like a beacon for safety. There was a small smile as she began to play with the idea of leaving, "Come on, Fluttershy, leave." an imaginary Rainbow Dash said, smirking. "They hardly even know you're here. Just sneak out of the window and go home."

"Oh no, i couldn't," Fluttershy shook her head. "They woul-"

"Fluttershy, they don't care. Now, just come out the window and get to Cloudsdale. Come on," the illusionary Rainbow Dash said, holding out her hand. "I'll take you."

Without saying a word, Fluttershy took the illusion's hoof and went out of the window. As her shoes hit the soft ground outside, Fluttershy took a deep breath, allowing the cold night air to hit her lungs. For a few short seconds, she just let the night blow through her hair and wings bringing with it the soft sounds of the evening. She giggled soflty as she heard the mice and cricked skitter and chirped. And there was an odd comfort as she heard the sounds of a distant owl hooting.

Shaking her head for a moment, she turned her blue eyes upward to the sky and squatted. Pushing up with her legs, she took off into the cold windy night. As she flew through the air, she let out a small laugh to herself. While it was true that she preferred to stay on the land and play with the animals, she still had a pegasus's inner love for the sky and the air. a wide smile graced her lips as she flew through the sky, even doing a small twirl as she neared her birthplace, Cloudsdale.

The nightlife of the pegasus city was as vibrant as always, in part because the pegasi were still energetic even when the night had fallen. But, it was also due tot eh lack of starfleet presence within the cloudy city. She didn't know why, but it seemed like Grand Ruler sent only a small amount of his soldiers to this city. Even then they were on the ground and not in the city proper. This, in turn, gave the city an alotherther unique feel, one that she could only describe as , "Home."

The city was much like how the rest of Equestria used to be before the coming of Starfleet. There were fillies running about with their parents, talking up about their potential cutie marks, and couples talking about the future. There was no pony talking about war or a future battle, and the idea of martial law seemed to be a distant fear. All in all, these ponies were doing something important, living.

Fluttershy found a perch to lay on and watch the passing by ponies. She couldn't help but smile when she saw seven of them pass by, talking about their day. There was a warm feeling going through her as she tried to imagine what they were talking about, trying to put words into their mouths. She quickly gave up on that, when she caught the sight of a house in the distance. A wide grin came across her features as she recognized the building. Giving her wings a good flew flaps, she flew towards the small dwelling and landed in front of a window. Seeing a light from within, she risked taking a peek inside of the building. She softly gasped as she saw a blue pegasus stallion with a chromatic mane talk to a griffon and a pegasus, "Rainbow and Gilda are here." she smiled as she ran a hoof along the window over Dash. "Maybe I should g-"

"Well, as I live and breathe...Flutterbutter!" cheered an enthusiastic pink pegasus as she flew from her doorstep to the yellow pegasus. Her electric blue mane shook as she snuggled Fluttershy in a big bear hug, "It's been ages!"

"Hello, miss Firefly," squeaked Fluttershy as she felt the squeeze.

Firefly put the mare down, and pointed a finger onto Fluttershy's chest."Hey! None of this miss crud. This former Wonderbolt trainee still has a few years of living before she's called a miss." Smiling at her, she nudged her head over the shoulder, "Now, come on inside. We have some catching up to do."

"Well, now I could-" Fluttershy began, but was interrupted by being dragged by her friend. Fluttershy couldn't help but note how apropos that three lightning bolt cutie mark was for the pegasus..

"Hey, Blitz! Look who's here, Flutterbutter," Firefly called out to her husband.

Rainbow Blitz looked from the couch and smiled, "Fluttershy!" smiling he walked over to the younger mare and hugged her, "How have you been?"

"F-fine, mister Blitz," Fluttershy responded shyly.

Rainbow Blitz narrowed his eyes as he put a hand onto her shoulder, "Strange kids call me Mr. my daughter's friends call me Blitz."

"Dad, did i hear you say that," Rainbow Dash let out a gsp of happiness a she saw Fluttershy standing there. "Fluttershy! Why are you here?"

"Well, um, i just wanted to see-" Fluttershy stopped when Gild stepped in front of her.

The griffon sighed as she looked into the meek pegasus's blue eyes, "Look, I, uum I'm sorry for what happened a few years ago. It was wrong of me to yell like that, I should've remembered a friend of mine from school and realized that some ponies don't change."

"No, it's my fault really," Fluttershy said.

"Hey, lets leave all of that behind, ok?" Blitz said, guiding the three into the living room. "Now's the time for talking about adventures, life, and old friends." sniffing he added, "Also to survive Firefly's cooking."

"Hey, I seem to remember that a certain stallion is attracted to my buns!" joked firefly, shaking her derriere for emphasis.

"Hey, forty-five and they are still piping hot fresh!" Blitz winked at his wife.

"Dad, will not flirt with my mom!" shouted Dash as she facepalmed.

Blitz smiled, "Hey, we may be in our forties but we still got a lot of fire. You think you would get used to it after twenty three years."

"Hey, Dahs, its ok," Gilda chuckled, "You see my parents."

Fluttershy sat back and giggled as the conversation began between the assembled group. Occasionally, she would join in with a comment or a reference.

"So, where's the dork that stole you away. Rhymey?" Firefly asked.

Fluttershy began to asner, but was interrupted by Blit, "Far away from here, with any luck. Those stupid Starfleet goons don't deserve those wings, for how little they actually use them. You now those twerps keep using them only as a means of fighting? Where is the love of the art, the sill?" sighing, he asked" Maybe Thunder crack is right and Clousale should leave."

"What?" Rainbow Dash asked, "Cloudsdale is thinking about seceding? When did this start?"

"About a few months ago. Starfleet ignores us, considers us beneath their notice. They think that we are too wild and unruly for their tastes. We feel abandoned by the greater Equestria," Blitz sighd. "I am trying to talk them out of it but-"

"Please," Fluttershy asked softly. "No more talk of politics and war. I want to enjoy my time with family."

Firefly nodded, "I agree, besides," she then winked at Dash, "Haven't heard all of my little Dashie's exploits yet."

"Well mom, wait until you hear about-"

And so the night went, with talks of adventure and friends. Fluttershy began to feel a vastly different atmosphere here than back with rhymey, a warm feeling of belonging began to set within her. No more did she feel like a statue, but a member of a big family. Occasionally she would laugh at a joke, or join in about a story that she had heard. She would even start a story that she had went through. For Fluttershy, she felt something that she had only when she was with her friends, a sense of belonging.

As the night went on, she saw that Rainbow Dash and Gilda made their way out onto the porch. Curious, she followed them, "Why are you out here?"

"Oh, hey Fluttershy," Dash smiled. "I was just showing Gilda the stars, I wanted to show her how different they look from here."

"Actually, I was just going o see if your mom has any scones left," Gilda said, walking back into he house.

"Ok, see you in a bit," Dash smiled. Then she looked to Fluttershy, "So, how did you escape?"

Fluttershy giggled,"I,um, snuck out."

"You didn't" Dash asked, watching her friend nod quietly, "Oh, no way. That is so me of you...I am proud of you. So, feel better now that you are with a real family."

Fluttershy nodded and sighed. While she loved her own family dearily, the ponies here treat her like a second daughter, "It's so wonderful here. IT's like your parents don't even know that there was a war going on."

"Yeah, they're kind of like that," Dash said with a smile, she slowly slid her hand along the bannister, not even noticing that her hand was touching fluttershy's, "You could throw the worst at them and they would brush it off."

Fluttershy smiled admiringly, "Like you."

"Yeah," Dash threw back her mane in confidence. She sighed as she looked into Fluttershy's blue eye, "Hey Flutters, want to go for a fly?"

Fluttershy ran a finger through her mane, "Um sure."

As the two took off, Gilda watched from the shadows and let out a sigh. Firefly came out next to her, "Hey, where's Rainbow, I have a churro with her name-" she paused as she looked to where Gild was pointing and let out a gasp. "Oh!"

As they watched the two take off, Gilda could feel a soft and slow melody take over her, one that attuned itself to a slow beat. Sighing, she began to sing.

I can see what's happening

Firefly looked to Gilda and nodded, "Yes."

"Really?" Firefly asked disbeliving.

"I know," Firefly responded.

Rainbow Dash flew around Fluttershy, encircling her before playing with her hair lightly. She then winked at her old friend before flying just ahead of Fluttershy. Nodding, the timid mare flew just a little behind, not noticing Dash was purposely slowing down for her. Rainbow Dash then flew under the clouds, only to come back with a rose that she put into her friends mane. Looking up into Dash's eyes, Fluttershy smiled, and Dsh smiled back, singing in her head.

Gilda let out a sigh as she watched the two pegasi dance in the sky, a small tear rolling down her cheek. Firefly looked to her and hugged her shoulders, "You ok?" the pegasus asked.

Gilda nodded her head slowly, letting out a sigh, "Y-yeah, I am. What I felt for Dash, that was just a crush. You know, girl meet gal and she falls in love. That kind of silly thing," there was a sad chuckle at the end of her sentence.

Firefly smiled softly as she rubbed Gilda's shoulder, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, yeah! Rainbow is willing to sacrifice her happiness for Fluttershy, I can do it too," Gilda then said, "No matter how hard it hurts."

Firefly looked back at the house, "Come on, let's get some cheer up ice cream."

Gilda nodded, and began to follow her, but not before looking over her shoulder at the two dancers, "Good luck, Dashie."

Up in the sky, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had twirled into each other's arms. Rainbow's arms rested around Fluttershy's hips, while fluttershy rested her arms around her friend's shoulders. The two hovered in the air for a few brief moments, their eyes locked onto each other. There was a small blush on Fluttershy's cheeks as she looked into her friend's eyes, noting a loving and caring look. Rainbow dash smiled softly back as she looked into the blue eyes of her friend. Without speaking a word, the two began to bring their lips closer to each other, just barely touching. Fluttershy was the first to pull away before they could connect, "Um, I s-should be heading back. Rhymey might notice."

Dash blushed as she put her hand behind her head," Y-yeah, I better go back too." she said, backing away. Smiling, she looks at her friend "Think you could escape again?"

"I'll try," FLuttershy smiled, before taking off. As Fluttershy flew back to Rhymey''s house, she took one look over her shoulder at the house of her friend, and sighed. Flicking her head back to the ground, she gently landed outside the house of her husband and snuck in.

"Ah, ready to go my lovely

Spent enough time with the family?"

As Ryhmey asked, Fluttershy gave a quick nod and responded, "Yes, i did."

---

Big Mac slept soundly in his bed, his arms seemingly to be wrapped around an invisible pony. Just outside of his room, a young magenta mare looked back at her lover and sighed, putting the hood of her cloak over her head. Next to the red stallion was a small note.

"Dearest Big Mac,

Thank you, for everything. This past month and week have been some o the best of my life. You have given me so much love and affection, more than i thought possible. Which is why this is so hard to do, my leaving.

I have to go. The things that Grand Ruler is making me teach my students are horrible. I am not raising students to grow and become better, I am raising soldiers. I am teaching little monsters how to fight, and how to treat others like lesser beings just for being born differently. That isn't why I became a teacher, that isn't why I got my mark. Did you know a filly with a blank flank told me that she doesn't care what she becomes when she grows up? Just as long as she serves the world? Or that the unicornian children don't really think themselves as special? Just what the state tells them.

I don't want that, I never wanted that. This is why I have to go. I promise, i will be bak after I save Equestria. Tell Applebloom, that her cutie mark is fantastic. Tell Applejack to take good care of you and to talk to Caramel. I think he likes her.

And furthermore, know that I love you. I always will love you.

I want you to burn this letter after you are done reading it. I don't want anypony thinking you are a part of what is about to happen.

Yours eternally,

Cheerilee."

Cheerilee took one last look at her lover before walking out the door and out of the house. As she walked down the path, she spotted a blue unicorn wearing the same loak, "Everything settled?"

Cheerilee sighed, "Yes. I have no regrets."

"Hey," Trixie put a hand onto Cheerilee's shoulder, "If you want to stay behind with Big Ma, Luna would not blame you."

Cheerilee shook her head, "No, it's ok. Really. I know that there are something you have to sacrifice for the greater good. I made my peace with this."

Trixie nodded and led Cheerilee down the path towards a small carrot farm, :Come on, Carrot top's waiting for us."

"Right, I hope that Carrot- Carrot top what are doing?" Cheerilee asked as she watched the yellow earth pony light a math and began to see the farm on fire."

The yellow mare covered her orange mane with a black hood as she turned away, her three carrot cutie mark light lit by the flame, "I just got a report from the government that they decided to take my land. I decided no."

"Oh, Carrot Top, I'm so sorry," Cheerilee said, hugging her friend.

"it's ok," Carrot said, smiling with a tear rolling down her cheek, "It'll all be worth it when Equestria is fee again."

Trixie joined in with the hug and looked to the castle in the distance, "Come on, let's get to Luna before the guards come to investigate the fire." With that, she turned to run, the other two ponies following close behind her.

It took only a few short hours for the trio to reach the hidden throne room, where Luna awaited them sitting on her throne. She smiled softly as she caught sight of the three mares, "Ah good, you have arrived. My apologies for taking a month to gather you all," Luna said as they bowed before her. "But, understand that if we were to gather you six all at once, we would raise suspicions to ourselves and risk being found out. Now that you are all here, our plan can begin."

"Princess Luna, who is that?" asked Cheerilee, looking up at bright spark.

"This is Bright Spark, a mare that I met a few months ago. She has proven herself highly capable of managing the team over the time that she has been here. As a matter of fact, it is she who will be giving you your missions," Luna said, standing up. "I know it seems odd for us to be launching this assault when we are at war; however, as we are now...we will lose this war. All because my brother-in-law refuses to listen to reason. Combine that and several other of his crimes and we need to overthrow him if we have any chance of survival. He has put too much focus on Starfleet and thus has weakened our armies." She held out her right hand to show an image of Ditzy and Lyra standing in front of a Zebra queen. "You have all been picked because your unique skills; be it intel gathering, strength, illusions, stealth, or negotiation. This is why we have sent Ditzy and Lyra to the zebra lands for ambassador purposes."

"So, they are trying to get us allies, but what are we going to do?" asked carrot top.

Trixie smiled, "our job is both intel gathering and to destroy the reeducation centers."

Spark nodded, "Yes, and if you will all come with me, i can tell you more." she said as she lead the trio of ponies away.

"OH! The plan is underway," Discord said, popping up behind Luna. "So, tell me, what are we going to do next? Espionage? Commando? Make nukes?"

"We are going to start destroying united Equestria from the inside," Luna said, walking away.

Discord laughed, "That sounds spectacular. So tell me, what's my part?"

"Your part is to get away from me," Luna growled.

"Ouch, harsh," Discord said, a little band-aid on his paw. "Why do you have to be so mean? I mean, you and are practically sibs in law, you would think-'

"You are my sister's paramour and nothing more until there is a ring on her finger, "Growled luna. "But, maybe I might warm up to the idea, if you will kindly tell me the truth of the twins?"

"Truth? You can't handle the truth my dear Lulu," chuckled Discord, much to the annoyance of Luna.

"You know what I mean. Celestia's slip ups, the fact I can feel one magical energy from them, and that they are never more than five feet apart. There is something more than I am seeing, isn't there," Luna accused.

With a shrug, Discord leaned in and said, "That's my secret. And I won't tell until GR is six-feet under." and with that he vanished.

---

Within the towers of Conquest's lair, sat Titan. With a chuckle, he ran his hand along a couple of small equine shaped figures. He ran a black gloved hand under his purple robe over a white unicorn, "And so, a new life is waiting to be born. While at the same time,' he calmly moved two pegasi together. Another hand moved a smaller group of ponies as one towards a tricorn, "A love is rekindled, and forces are moving against the false king. Oh, Grand Ruler old friend, you have so long desired to control everything. Now, you find that the world is slowly crumbling around you. Your wife is not on your side, your Starfleet is crumbling, and the magic that you despise is growing in strength. Now," he looked at a robotic alicorn figure that stared at a pink alicorn, "It's time for my part."

This chapter, I won't lie, I was very nervous about writing (Forgive the sudden boldness but is acting crazy). Mainly because of the subject matter I was approaching. I knew it was going to be troubled waters writing a scene with Rarity considering abortion and I was scared how it would take. But, as an old master once said, do or do not, there is not try. So, after talking to my comrades on Fimfic, I decided to at least try and take it seriously. I hope it worked.

The fluttershy and Dash scene was the most unchanged from draft to copy. With the exception of the song. i had a song here that was a rewritten verions of "can you feel the love tonigh" but since 's copyright is a little stricker, I decided to delete it. If you want the song, check out the fimfic.

The scene with Titan was added because in the rough draft...he did nothing! So I added him.

Next time, I combat two issues Mykan pressed, no evil Starfleet and Fratello.