“Hey Pinkie how’s it g-” Axel was cut off as Pinkie collided with him and sent the two of them into the dirt.

“SHOW ME YOUR ULTIMATE FORM!” Pinkie shouted, shaking Axel.

Van rushed over, staring down at the two uncertain of what to do.

“What… are you… talking about…” Axel grunted.

Van extended his claws and pointed to them, then Pinkie.

“Oh.” Axel said. He waited a moment for Pinkie to get off him before standing up. Shortly after he turned into his more muscular and taller counterpart, growing the longer fur and claws on both his hands and feet.

Pinkie turned to the two of them, seeing that they had both transformed. “Woooow you two look different…” She said, staring at the two in awe.

Van wrapped his arms around Pinkie and pulled her against him, a smile revealing his sharper teeth.

“Oooo you’re so cuddly warm…” Pinkie giggled, snuggling against him.

Axel chuckled a little.

“Whyyy you so big.” Pinkie asked, pointing at Axel. “And why you so small.” She said, pointing to Van.

Van’s smile faded slowly as he looked down at his pants.

“He’s not small.” Axel said flatly.

“Yeah he is, just look at him!” Pinkie said, putting a hand on Van’s still weak looking chest and abs.

“So? He’s faster than I am.” Axel shrugged.

“Ohhhh so you know that from experience?” Pinkie grinned.

Van’s face reddened slightly.

Axel’s face blanked.

“Oh I’m sure you make up for it in other ways.” Pinkie said dismissively and giggled.

“Um… okay… then?” Axel said uncertainly.

“Like sex!” Pinkie giggled loudly.

Van’s face twisted into confusion and stared at Axel.

“What?” Axel questioned.

“Exactly.” Pinkie winked.

Van shrugged.

“Yeah… I don’t even…” Axel mumbled.

“Speaking of sex… Van and I just had some for breakfast!” Pinkie laughed.

Van’s face reddened again.

“We both got a taste of each other’s mphphmph.” Pinkie said, the last words cut off as Van put a hand over her mouth.

“What?” Axel asked curiously.

Pinkie tried to wrestle his hand away, only making Van tighten his grip around her entirely.

“Van…” Axel said.

Pinkie yanked her mouth away for a moment. “Cum!” She shouted.

Van just limply slid to the ground and covered his face.

Axel bit down on his lip to stop himself from laughing. “That… sounds… great…” He mumbled.

“It was! Did you know he could do weird things with his tongue?” Pinkie asked.

Van curled up even more and shook his head violently.

Axel remained quiet.

“Annnnnyways. How are you doing?” Pinkie asked.

“Good…” Axel said.

“That’s great! Whatcha wanna do?” She asked.

“I really hadn’t thought of anything to do today…” Axel said.

“Besides meeeee?” Pinkie smiled.

“Um…” Axel mumbled.

“I’m juuuust teasing. But if I weren’t, I’m sure you’d do fine if you’re half as good as your brother.” Pinkie giggled.

Van shrunk even further on the ground.

“Yeah…” Axel mumbled.

Pinkie climbed onto Axel’s shoulders. “Where to fuzzball?” She smiled.

“I’m open to… going anywhere.” Axel said.

“Hoooold on there buddy, we still have to have dinner first!” Pinkie teased.

“Oookaay then.” Axel said.

-----------------------------------------

“Where are we going?” Axel asked.

“I dunno.” Pinkie shrugged.

Axel opened his mouth momentarily before shaking his head and closing it.

“I’m booooored. Walking around in circles isn’t helping.” Pinkie sighed.

“I don’t…” Axel started, “If you’re bored then why don’t we find somewhere to go?”

“Where ya wanna goooooo? Saaaaay something.” Pinkie said, grabbing Axel and shaking him.

Van looked at Axel and shrugged.

“Let’s go get lunch.” Axel said.

“Oookay.” Pinkie smiled.

“Why don’t you choose where we go?” Axel asked.

Pinkie tapped her chin as she thought. “Why don’t we go t- Nnf!” She grunted as a man bumped into her and sent her to the dirt. The man continued walking, ignoring the three of them.

“Watch where you’re walking!” Axel shouted at the man. He then leaned down to help Pinkie up.

Van stared at the man and immediately started walking after him. Pinkie grabbed Axel’s hand and was easily pulled to her feet. “Heeeey where’s Van going?” She asked.

“I don’t know but I’m not letting him go off alone.” Axel said as he followed Van.

Van approached the hooded man and tapped on his shoulder, not getting a response. Van scratched his head roughly as he thought of something to do.

Axel walked up beside Van. “Hey buddy, you going to apologize for knocking Pinkie over or am I going to have to show you why you should?” Axel questioned.

The man turned to look at Axel and chuckled, returning his focus to something that he put into the pocket of his coat. “Okay sure.” He said. “I’m sorry she was taking up the whole area and wasn’t watching where she was going. Can I go now?”

Axel’s eye twitched slightly, “You were the one who wasn’t paying attention.” He said.

“And?” The man questioned.

Pinkie approached the three of them and looked at Axel and Van.

Van pulled out a piece of paper and wrote ‘Why don’t you wait at the cake shop, we’ll be right there.’

“Okay…” Pinkie said uncertainly, reluctantly walking off.

“Oops guess It’s too late. Maybe if I bump into her again, which is likely, I’ll say sorry then.” The man said, pulling out a journal and turning to a page before writing something down.

Axel sighed, “God… some people are just…” He mumbled.

Van’s arm reeled back and he took a swing at the man, who ducked under it quickly.

“Okay then.” The man said, staring intently at Van before putting the notebook away.

“What the hell Van!” Axel said.

Van’s stance shifted slightly and he stared unmoving at the man.

The man’s hand moved quickly towards Van’s head. Van ducked and grabbed his arm, sending the man to the ground with his own momentum.

Axel stepped back from the two.

The man grunted as he hit the ground and quickly jumped to his feet, laughing a little. “So you know Aikido… I knew that stance was familiar…” He chuckled. The man entered his own stance, quite a bit different from Van’s.

“I don’t see a single good option for me…” Axel mumbled.

The man lunged towards Van and attempted to kick him, aiming for his knee. Van shifted slightly and pushed the man past him, sidestepping away.

The man’s smile grew wide, now visible under the hood from the angle that the light was shining. “Oh you’re fun.” He said.

“This guy doesn’t look so tough…” Axel mumbled under his breath before he lunged at the man and attempted to punch him.

The glimmer of the man’s teeth was seen before he grabbed Axel’s wrist, twisting it and ushering an audible cracking as the man’s other hand was sent down roughly into Axel’s crotch.

“Nnng…” Axel grunted, gritting his teeth together.

The man’s arm shifted and elbowed Axel in the face, breaking his nose. Before he had a chance to react, the next punch was aimed at his throat, sending him backwards and unable to speak.

Axel’s head fell to the ground as he passed out from the pain.

“And finally the brain activates.” The man said.

Van stood there, still in the defensive stance, staring shakily down at Axel’s body with wide eyes.

“How about we call it a draw and you don’t get yourself hurt kid.” The man said, turning and walking away.

Van stood there for a few moments before rushing down to Axel, shaking him slightly.

------------------------------------

Axel slowly opened his eyes and he found himself in the hospital. His entire body was alight with pain. The first thing he noticed was Van sitting extremely close to him, who smiled and waved.

“He… hello… to… y… you too…” Axel said in a croaked and pained tone.

“Well this is the first time I’ve seen you in this hospital, in patient form.” Cross said, walking into the room and looking at Axel.

“I can’t… say I’m too happy for that…” Axel said. “No… I am happy that Van isn’t hurt at all.”

“Yes Van is alright. Though you have a minor fractured wrist, I would recommend not moving it too much.” Cross said.

“Yeah… I can feel that it…” Axel said.

“Did you see the man that did it? If you have a description we can send for the proper authorities.” Cross said.

“I couldn’t really see much, other then the coat and hood he had on.” Axel said.

“Well it certainly wasn’t raining, so that’s not mysterious at all.” Cross sighed, writing a few things down on the clipboard he was holding.

“Van did you notice any… defining features about him?” Axel asked, looking over at Van.

Van scratched his chin and thought for a few moments before shaking his head.

“You know by the way that Van described how he fought, it sounded like Krav Maga.” Cross said. “Nasty fighting style when used properly.”

“Yeah… I noticed.” Axel said.

Van’s face blanked.

“What’s wrong?” Axel asked.

Van quickly wrote something down and shoved it in Axel’s face before bolting out of the room. Axel looked down at the paper to see it said ‘Pinkie’ written on it.

“Oh my god…” Axel mumbled his eyes widening slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Cross asked.

“The man said, ‘Maybe if I bump into her again, which is likely.’ And… the only reason we chased him was because he bumped into Pinkie… and now no one is with her…” Axel said.

“Did you need me to send for help?” Cross asked quickly.

“Yeah… I do. She’s at the cake shop… or hopefully she should be.” Axel said.

“Can you move? Or were you going to stay here?” Cross asked.

Axel pushed himself up with his uninjured hand. “Yeah… I can move it just hurts.” He grunted.

---------------------------------

Axel and two guards quickly rushed into the cake shop, looking around and spotting Van and Pinkie sitting in a booth across the shop.

Axel sighed, “They’re alright.” He said in relief.

“Did you want us to stay?” One of the guards asked.

“Stay nearby just incase the guy decides to show up.” Axel said.

“We’ll be outside and watch for anyone suspicious.” The guard said before him and the other walked outside, standing post in front of the shop.

Axel walked over to the booth, “Hey you two.” He said with a smile.

Pinkie smiled and waved. “Hi!” She said, patting the seat next to her.

Axel sat down beside her, “So is everything going alright?” He asked.

“Yep! That guy was a little rude but he was nice and apologized.” Pinkie said. Van eyed Pinkie and looked at Axel confused.

“Um… what?” Axel questioned.

“Well if I knew THEY’D be coming I’d have ordered more.” The man from earlier said, taking a seat next to Van and sliding a piece of cake to Pinkie. Van immediately tensed up.

Axel glared at the man.

“Oh don’t worry, you can have mine.” The man said, sliding his piece to Axel.

Axel continued to glare at him. “No thanks… a fractured wrist has a funny way of killing an appetite.” Axel said.

“Ohh you’re still mad about that?” The man laughed, waving it off dismissively.

“Yes I am.” Axel said bluntly.

“Well maybe I can make up for it. I’m Brent.” The man said, holding his hand out. “I’d suggest using your other hand.”

Axel sighed and grabbed Brent’s hand. “I’m Axel. And a handshake won’t make up for coming close to killing me.” He said.

“To be fair, you hit first. I was just… defending myself. If I wanted to kill you I woulda used this.” Brent said, opening his coat to reveal a gun hidden away. He chuckled and returned the coat to it’s closed position.

Van seemed to tense up even more as he saw the gun.

“And that was supposed to help at all?” Axel questioned.

“Yes actually. It puts bullets in things.” Brent joked. “Preferably your face if necessary.”

“You’re just making it worse you realize that right?” Axel asked.

“But things couldn’t be better! I just met three great new people that I can’t wait to get to know.” Brent laughed, putting an arm around Van, who closed his eyes and started to shake.

“Get your hand off of my brother.” Axel said.

Brent looked at the arm he had around Van and raised his hand up so it wasn’t touching him. “Done.” He said.

Axel sighed, “Don’t touch my brother at all.” He said.

“Okay fair enough. I’d hate for you to have to punch me again. I don’t think your body can handle another punch.” Brent said, his face twisting as he held back a laugh, removing the arm from around Van.

Pinkie started giggling.

Axel shook his head.

Pinkie’s face changed to that of laughter to curiosity. She stared at Brent intently.

“I’m just about done taking threats.” Axel said.

Pinkie continued to stare at Brent. “Hey…” She started.

“Mmhm?” Brent asked.

“You sound familiar. Have we met before?” Pinkie asked.

“Probably. I’ve met a lot of people.” Brent said.

“Heeeey! You should meet my friends.” Pinkie suggested excitedly.

“That sounds lovely.” Brent said.

“Yeah… that sounds great…” Axel mumbled.

---------------------------------------

“You know I was just in the hospital. Probably like… a room or two over. It’s funny I never saw you guys.” Axel said.

“Mmhm. Funny.” Dash mumbled, chewing on some food.

“Yep.” Torrent nodded.

“Why were you in the hospital?” Rose asked. “Sorry… What caused you to be hospitalized?”

“That would be me.” Brent said, peeking into the room and waving.

“And you are?” Rose asked, eyeing Brent up.

“Brent. Nice kids. I like kids.” Brent said calmly.

“That’s great to know but I enjoy knowing people first before I let them touch my kids.” Rose said.

“You know I’ve never had kids, but I had an older brother. If it’s anything like that then I think I might know a thing or two.” Brent said.

“I think it’s a little different… same concept I guess, they’re both family.” Dash shrugged.

“It’s a lot different.” Rose said. “I should know I did help raise two of my younger brothers.”

“Oh so you’re the older one? How’d they take to having you as a sister. I can imagine plenty of teasing.” Brent said.

“You’d be surprised to know that to this day they still slip up and call me mom from time to time.” Rose said.

“That was confusing when I first met them.” Torrent chuckled.

Rose laughed a little too.

“Well being their mother AND sister could send some mixed signals.” Brent laughed.

“Yes that thought slipped my mind because I met them the day after our wedding.” Torrent said.

“My parents did raise me to certain standards. One of which a lot of people find to be outdated…” Rose said calmly. “And what I’m talking about will remain a secret.”

“Fair enough. Everyone needs their secrets.” Brent nodded.

“I like secreeeeets.” Pinkie whispered.

Rose glanced over at Dash and noticed she was staring at Brent, “Something wrong?” She asked.

“You sound really familiar, do I know you?” Dash asked.

Brent smiled. “I get that a lot.” He said, looking over at Pinkie.

“Yes… last time I thought I heard someone familiar…” Torrent shivered as he closed his eyes.

“I wouldn't worry too much sweetie. They’re not looking for either of you.” Rose said comfortingly.

“Who?” Dash asked.

“I’ll tell you later.” Rose said.

“I can tell you really love your secrets.” Brent said.

“It’s more of a family matter.” Rose said.

“Well I’d say we’re family. I mean you are teeeeechnically going to be my daughter-in-law.” Dash said.

“That’s why I said I’d tell you later.” Rose said, her eyes darting towards Brent.

“Right right… I’ve overstayed my welcome. I should leave…” Brent said.

“It’s not that. It’s just it’s a family matter and you, Axel, Van, and Pinkie aren’t… well close enough to be considered family. At least not yet.” Rose said.

“Fair enough.” Brent nodded.

“Hey Van you’ve been quiet since you got here.” Dash said.

Van looked at Dash with an expression that obviously said ‘Really?’

“I’m joking.” Dash said.

“Van could you come over here for a second?” Rose asked.

Van stood up and walked over, staring down at Rose curiously.

“Would you like to hold them?” Rose asked with a smile, motioning to the Petal and Tulip who were both staring up at him curiously.

Van paused for a moment before nodding, slowly taking the two of them into his arms.

Tulip clung tightly to Van’s arm while Petal started nibbling on his hand.

Van’s expression changed to more curiosity as he stared at the two.

Tulip let go of his arm and reached up towards his nose.

Van backed his head away slowly so it was just out of her reach.

Tulip’s face scrunched up and her lips started to quiver.

Van’s eyes widened and his eyes darted around. His initiative kicked in and he smothered his face into Tulip’s stomach.

Tulip started to giggle loudly and she latched onto his head.

“They both like you.” Rose smiled.

Petal joined in with her sister and clung onto Van’s head.

Van stood there unmoving, uncertain of what to do.

Dash bit her lip and tried not to laugh.

Tulip yawned and slid off of Van’s head. Her eyes drooped down as she started to fall asleep.

Petal followed her sister and slid back off of Van’s head and clung onto his arm as she started to fall asleep too.

“Awww… They really like you a lot.” Rose said her smile widened a little more.

Van looked up at Rose with a still confused look on his face.

“They were just playing and being babies.” Rose chuckled.

Van looked down at Tulip and Petal, staring at them curiously.

Tulip was hugging her sister and was already fast asleep.

Petal was slightly struggling to stay awake.

Van gently started rocking the two in his arms side to side.

Petal’s eyes shut and she fell right to sleep.

“Bravo… you managed to put the two of them to sleep.” Torrent said, “None of us could… they were just too full of energy.”

Van looked up at Axel. “Yes that’s good.” Axel laughed. Van smiled in return, looking back down at the babies.

“You’d make a great father… even if you don’t know what’s going on.” Rose chuckled.

“Or that you don’t know what babies are.” Axel said.

Dash laughed. She cut herself off as a small spike of pain shot through her. “Nngh… god…” She groaned, putting a hand on her stomach.

“You should go see a doctor.” Rose suggested.

“Hey there’s a few people missing here. Where’s Red, Scootaloo, and Alex?” Axel asked.

Torrent chuckled, “Places.” He said.

Van handed the babies back to Rose and moved to help Dash, but saw that Brent was already helping her out of the room. “I’ll make sure the doctors keep her in a room, strapped to a bed.” Brent joked.

“I’m sure that’d make Red happy.” Axel chuckled.

Rose gave a half smile, half smirk as she looked at Torrent.

“No… please… don’t…” Torrent groaned.

“What?” Axel asked.

“Don’t you worry…” Rose smiled.

Axel turned to Pinkie. “Hey Pinkie you’ve been pretty quiet t- Oh.” He said, noticing she had dozed off, her face lying on the bedside table. “Well I guess it is pretty late.”

“Yes it is… Torrent you go make sure everything is alright at the new house. I’ll be just fine here.” Rose smiled.

Torrent stood up and kissed Rose on the lips, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smiled.

“I’ll get her home.” Axel sighed, lifting Pinkie up into his arms, who nuzzled herself against his chest. Van smiled and walked beside Axel, following him out of the room.

------------------------------------

“I know I might seem like a stranger to you, but if you try to leave I will physically hold you down until you fall asleep.” Brent said. “And by the amount empty fast food bags, that should be pretty soon.”

“Yeah… you holding me down that’s a great one.” Dash said.

“Oh so you’re saying I couldn’t?” Brent challenged, raising an eyebrow.

“Have you ever dealt with a pregnant woman before?” Dash questioned.

“Yes I have a brother.” Brent said, laughing.

Dash shook her head, “Yeah… that’s entirely the same thing.” She said.

“Hey you haven’t seen him in a bad mood… well maybe.” Brent shrugged.

“I wouldn’t be too sure. Who is your brother?” She asked.

Brent scooted a little closer. “Now that’s a great question.” He said. “But if I tell you, promise you won’t tell anyone?”

“I swear I won’t.” Dash said.

Brent leaned in close. “Now… the answer to that question… Might surprise you. I have sort of a belief, but I’m not a very religious person.” He said.

“Huh?” She asked.

“But you know… I believe, everything happens… for a reason.” He said, still in the same calm whisper.

“Okay…” Dash mumbled.

“And I guess you could say it runs in the family… But when I feel that something’s wrong…” Brent started, leaning even closer.

“Um… this isn’t… answering my question…” Dash said.

“When I feel that something’s wrong… I guess you could say… I can feel it in my bones.” He finished.

Dash’s eyes widened in pure disbelief. She was about to open her mouth to say something when Brent clamped his hand around it tightly. “Shhhh…” He whispered, putting a finger on his other hand to his lips.

She just stared up at him, terror brimming in her eyes as she felt tears building in them. “He said quietly. “We’ll talk about this in the morning… Just go to sleep Rainbow Dash.”