“I have a surprise for you, my sunshine boy,” mother told me as we stood in Luna’s dreamscape.

“Which also surprised us,” Luna added.

“Oh?” I asked, looking between them.

“Yes, but we won’t tell you,” mother told me cryptically. “You’re going to have to come back home to find out what it is.”

“I would advise getting on the first train here, nephew.”

I shrugged seeing how I wasn’t going to find out at this point, “Alright, I’ll do that.”

“Good,” mother sounded happy as she hugged me. “Now then, how has Miss Rarity been these last few days?”

“Actually, she seems fine now thanks to Spike. More like herself again. Other than that, these past few days have been quiet.”

She kissed my cheek, “Good, and have a safe trip home.”

^_^

I was thinking about the conversation with my mother in Luna’s dreamscape last night as the train pulled into the station the next morning. One thing about knowing there’s a surprise waiting for you is that it bugs you until you see it. Your mind is centered on what it could be. Even as I exited the train station and walked all the way up, and into, the castle it was still on my mind. I suppose there are my human mother and aunt to thank for that. At least my mind was in the here and now enough to hear a guard tell me that they were waiting for me in the throne room. Naturally, there were two guards there when I approached. And when they opened the door I was genuinely surprised at my surprise. Because the surprise was who was standing there with them.

“Miss Harmony?” my sudden shocked question rang out getting their attention as the doors were closing behind me. She was wearing a simple one-piece sundress style blue dress.

They all turned around to face me while I walked up to the dais. Harmony was wearing a big smile after she saw me. Mother and Aunt Luna were happy to see me as well, but just by looking at their faces, I wasn’t sure how they felt about her. I’m not sure how I felt about her. Or what she was doing here for that matter. “Hi handsome,” she cooed at me with her disarming smile when I stopped next to her.

“You’re definitely the surprise,” I told her with mixed emotions. Happy to see her and yet confused about why she was here and thereby cautious as well.

She stepped up to me, put both hands on my chest, and batted her eyes up at me, “You told me what was necessary in order to see you. So, I quit the brothel and came here to see you and Philomena, but you weren’t here. So, I decided to see your mother and aunt and talk to them until you arrived.”

That kind of blew me away, because, in all honesty, I didn’t think she’d go through with it. Which means that she’s out of a job right now.

“Indeed, she did,” Aunt Luna confirmed as our eyes met. “I remember seeing her the other night at the club. Which we are looking into giving the police departments the pistols.” A nod from me acknowledged the last part she said about the pistols. I was happy about that and made a note to let Eve know in a letter to her.

“We’ve been talking since last night when she arrived here,” mother added. “And she did indeed quit the brothel and has no job at present. She stayed here last night until you arrived.”

“They had a lot to say about you,” Harmony grinned up at me. “You’ve had quite the time here so far haven’t you, handsome?”

“You could say that yes.”

“We have given her our approval for her to see you,” Luna told me with a small smile. Which Mother agreed with a nod.

“That’s all well and good,” I added now looking down to her, “but you still-”

“Have to talk with Philomena,” she interrupted with an understanding nod, “I know.”

“And Twilight as well. Though Philomena is the headmare, Twilight is also in a relationship with me.” She nodded in acceptance. At this point, I had no clue what to say or do. But I had wanted to attend Fluttershy’s fundraiser for the Ponyville Pet Center. So, with my hand running through my long blond hair, I turned to my mother and aunt. “I know I just got here, but Fluttershy has a fundraiser for the Ponyville Pet Center.”

Mother and Aunt Luna nodded in understanding. Both of them came down and hugged me. “It’s alright my sunshine boy,” mother said kissing me on the cheek. “Indeed,” Luna agreed, hugging me as well, “there will be other times to visit.”

“Thanks,” I told them before turning back to Harmony. “Want to see the small town of Ponyville?”

She agreed, eagerly actually, so we went to her guest room and I picked up her one, and only, small bag of clothes before heading toward the train station again. It was a beautiful morning for a walk with a cool breeze blowing through. While walking there, I set some boundaries for us, especially around Philomena. Flirting was fine, but nothing much beyond that if and until she gets approval from Philomena and Twilight. She even answered my initial question from the club on why she’s interested. It’s simple, she thinks I’m handsome and interesting. When she asked if there was anything wrong with that, I told her no there wasn’t. That’s how some relationships start.

Even though that train ride back to Ponyville wasn’t that long we had enough time to go over her history since she already knew mine. Basically, she grew up in Canterlot in the lowest income district where ponies and humans live side by side. She grew up with human kids and friends. Pegasi actually have a harder time than most in Canterlot due to most jobs being unicorn focused. She didn’t go hungry, but she didn’t get any presents or got anything for herself either. All the money went toward food and rent. She was able to finish high school but soon after that, she found the headmare Simple Pleasures of Canterlot’s Delight. And the rest is history.

“Welcome to Ponyville,” my hand swept toward the town as we exited the train station at the edge of town. “Where everyone, and everypony, is half crazy. Twilight even told me that’s what she thought of them after she first arrived.” She giggled at that as we left the station and headed toward the center of town. I still had her bag while pointing out the landmarks as we walked by them. “This is the town library,” I motioned to the tree as we passed it. “This is also where Twilight, Philomena, Spike, and I live.”

“In the tree?” she asked looking up at the large tree.

“Yep, a literal treehouse,” I chuckled at my own joke while she rolled her eyes at me. “Oh come on, that deserves at least a groan.” She just smirked and shook her head at me. “Alright,” shrugging her off I continued. “Anyway, it’s down this street after the long curve where you’ll find the center of town. Mayor Mare will be in the town hall most days. Today though is the fundraiser I told you about, so everybody should be helping out with that.”

“What will they be doing?”

“Well, Pinkie and Applejack will be doing the cooking. Making treats and eats to sell, which would go toward the Pet Center,” I explained as we walked. “Twilight will be helping with organizing everything and making sure everything is in its place and ready. Rarity is actually going to be part of the music. She’s part of a quartet called the Pony Tones that will be singing there. Fluttershy, naturally, will be setting up the animals and everything to go with it. And finally, that leaves, Rainbow Dash.”

“That’s me,” came her voice as she interrupted me landing beside me, then punches me in the arm, “and what do you mean by finally? I’m always supposed to be first, not last.”

Rubbing my arm, I chuckled at her antics, “Which is in charge of the town’s weather team.”

“And best flier in all of Equestria that won the best young flier competition,” she boasted before looking at the new mare in the full-length dress. “Who’s this?”

“This is a friend that I met in Canterlot while visiting with my mother and Aunt Luna.” I motioned to Harmony with a hand, “This is Dark Harmony from Canterlot, Harmony this is Rainbow Dash.” As Rainbow moved in front of her to shake hands I was able to view the differences between them. Rainbow was just about an inch shorter, but due to her superb flying ability, her torso was more buff than Harmony’s. Harmony was more feminine and shapely while Rainbow was more athletic.

“You’re not a spy are you?” Rainbow squinted her eyes at her.

“No,” Harmony giggled nervously, “of course not.”

“Good, then there won’t be any problems,” Rainbow nodded then moved to my side again opposite her as we started walking again. “What brings you to Ponyville?”

“Fred, I am hoping to get Philomena’s and Twilight’s ok to be in a relationship with him.” She just out and said it. Now we’ll see about Rainbow’s reaction.

“Really?” Rainbow’s face showed surprise. “You mean you’re going to move here? Leave everything behind in Canterlot for this guy?”

“I didn’t have much, to begin with,” Harmony sighed but nodded, “but yes.”

Rainbow looked between us as if her mind couldn’t compute the answer. “Why?”

Harmony took my arm in hers with a smile, “I’m interested.”

Rainbow laughed as we entered the center of town, “Well good luck getting the ok from Philomena. She’s one protective phoenix. Speaking of, I’ll go get her.” She flew off while laughing in mischief.

“She’s a phoenix?” she asked as if her mind just blew up.

“Yep. The only anthropomorphic kind in existence,” I said to her while wondering how this introduction is going to go. “She used to be my mother’s pet, but ever since accidentally turned biped by Twilight we’ve gotten into a relationship. And Rainbow’s right, she’s protective, although she’s got a right to be. She’s healed me a couple of times now already in our adventures.”

She was just looking up at me while her mind tried processing what I just told her. She was quiet up until we spotted Philomena landing a few feet away. The wind played with the simple blue dress she was wearing as she landed. Her smile was wide and inviting. Her eyes were filled with love as they locked onto mine. And after she walked up to me her arms wrapped around me with my head leaning down to rub my cheek against hers. “You returned. So quickly? What was surprise?” she asked, looking up to me.

With a sheepish nervous look on my face, I motioned toward Harmony. “She was. This is Dark Harmony. Met her in Canterlot last time I was there. Harmony, this is Philomena.” As I introduced them, Philomena was wary of course. Harmony, however, was awestruck.

“Wow, she’s gorgeous,” Harmony praised, which Philomena liked naturally.

“I agree with that,” I echoed her and smiled down to Philomena. “Some say that the griffon girls are the prettiest, but they can’t hold a candle to Philomena here.” She blushed when I said it.

She turned to Harmony, “Thank you, but why you surprise?”

Here we go.

Now it seemed that Harmony was getting a little nervous. “Well, because Princess Celestia and Luna were surprised that I showed up asking for their permission, and yours, to be in a relationship with Fred.”

Philomena looked at her in surprise, then looked up at me not only in surprise but with an accusational stare.

My hands immediately went up in defense, “I didn’t encourage her honest.”

“No, he didn’t,” Harmony echoed in eager defense, “it’s all my decision. I know a catch when I see it.”

Philomena was quiet for a minute before she finally said, “You are right, he is catch. But don’t know you. Don’t know you motive. Will take time to decide.”

She nodded with a small smile, “I completely understand. At least I can thank you for giving me a chance.”

Philomena nodded back, “A chance.”

“Thank you, Philomena.”

Philomena responded with a nod. “Great, now that that has been taken care of, why don’t you,” I looked to Harmony, “go with her and meet Twilight while I see what Fluttershy wanted?”

“Alright.” Harmony stepped over to Philomena, “Would you mind?”

Philomena agreed and after giving me another cheek rub those two were off to see how Twilight was doing. Meanwhile, I turned and headed in the direction of the Pet Center after taking a sigh of relief. I got a few greetings while walking through the center of town before spotting Fluttershy on the bridge watching Rarity and the Pony Tones practice.

“Hi, Fluttershy, how’s it going?” she was slightly startled, but then calmed down and gave me a welcoming smile as I saddled up beside her.

“Oh hi, Fred,” we hugged and she even leaned my head down for a kiss. “I’m fine and so excited about the fundraiser. And so happy that Rarity and the Pony Tones will be singing in it. They just got done practicing for it and they sound wonderful.”

“Of that, I have no doubt.”

She took me by the hand and led me over the bridge to the tents on the other side where Rarity and the Pony Tones will be performing on a small stage that was set up for them. Spike was there first praising Rarity for her performance and only giving others a meh review before walking off.

“I think you all were simply wonderful,” Fluttershy told them while she had her arms locked with mine and leaning up against me.

“Thank you, Fluttershy,” the other mare of the group responded.

“Thank you, Fluttershy,” Rarity echoed her before addressing them. “Now Pony Tones, I want you to rest your voices for the rest of the day. Tomorrow we’ll have a final run-through before the main event. Alright?”

“Eyup,” Big Mac said then gave me a nod after spotting me before leaving. The others agreed and left after him.

Fluttershy went up onto the stage and up to Rarity, “The Pony Tones are going to make this fundraiser so special. Thank you for helping me help the animals.”

“You’re welcome, Fluttershy,” the two hugged. “Isn’t wonderful when something comes together without any sort of drama?”

“Oh yes,” Fluttershy agreed.

“How are you doing, Fred?” Rarity asked, looking down at me from the stage.

“I’m fine, thanks. Just stopped by to see what Fluttershy wanted.”

“Oh yes that’s right,” Fluttershy got down from the stage, over to me again, and took my arm in hers once more. “I was going to see if you wanted a pet.” I just shrugged.

“I will say that a pet can be wonderful,” Rarity mused as she stepped down from the stage and over to us. “My cat for instance. I do love her, but sometimes she can be a pain.”

“Your counterpart has a cat too,” I told her with a smirk. “And if they are anything alike then yes she is. Cats are naturally independent creatures.”

Rarity hummed in thought. “Yes, I suppose they are. What will you get, if you choose to get one?”

I shrugged again, “I don’t know. Sometimes the pet chooses you.”

Fluttershy giggled, “That’s true.”

“Well, you two run along then,” Rarity suggested with a slight wave of her hand and a wide smile. “I still have lots to do before tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

“Later, Rarity,” I told her before she left us. Fluttershy led me back across the bridge toward some tents and a fenced-off area near the bridge that had some animals in it. Obviously, this wasn’t the center they were raising the money for. However, it was a decent place for animals to temporarily stay until the end of the fundraiser.

“This area, and the tents, is where the animals are until the end of the fundraiser,” Fluttershy explained. Each tent seemed to hold a different type of animal while the fenced area was for larger animals and birds. “Now then, since you don’t even know if you want a pet, why don’t we just look around?”

“Ok, sounds good to me.” She started leading me to the tents first, which held the smaller animals. There were the usual cats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters. And even some animals that I didn’t think would be good for pets, such as the smaller wild animals. Or wild in the human world anyway. One tent held the reptiles which were interesting. And when spotting some snakes in there I had to think of Indiana Jones and his snake phobia. However, I wasn’t a snake guy or wanted anything that I had to worry about stepping on. If I ever had a house I didn’t want to post a sign that said “Warning: Do not step on (whatever).” I knew that I didn’t want a small dog either for the same reason. And certainly not a Chihuahua. Those dogs are nothing more than nerves with legs. I did tell Fluttershy about the store owner in the human world that got a large boa constrictor snake for his shop because he got robbed so many times. The funny thing was he never got robbed after that.

It wasn’t until we walked up to the large fenced off area that an eagle screech caught my attention as it rent the air above. And a look up gave me a beautiful sight. “A bald eagle,” I whispered in awe as it soared down toward the large pen with something in its talons. The only time I ever saw one in person was either at the zoo or in a show. Never once did I see one in the wild.

“A what?” Fluttershy asked as she looked up. “Oh that’s Lucy,” she explained seeing the bird above. “What did you call her?”

“A bald eagle, Fluttershy. Due to the white coloring on its head.” Lucy flew down with a dead rodent in its talons only to let it go as it flew over what appeared to be another injured eagle. Then retreated to a fence post nearby. “It’s our national bird.” And even though I was never in the military, when our eyes met I gave her a salute.

“National bird?” Fluttershy questioned and was just as confused, at my salute, as the eagle that looked at me as if I was nuts. “Oh, I don’t think you’d want her. She almost never listens.”

That got me grinning from ear to ear, “Of course not, Fluttershy. She’s a free spirit. Always needing independence.”

Fluttershy hummed in thought, “Well she is fiercely independent. However, she’s loving and caring as you can see.”

The bird got curious enough to fly from her perch by the injured eagle, now munching on his meal, to a post next to me. “Miss Lucy,” I gave her a smile and a slow nod to show respect. Lucy chirped and actually nodded in response. Which to me was surprising. “Wait…you can understand me?” She nodded.

“Most animals understand us and are sentient,” Fluttershy commented happily. “Communicating back is the problem.”

“Which is where you come in most of the time,” she blushed when I winked at her. “However, I’ve found that they have lots of ways to communicate with us.” Then I looked to Lucy directly, “Let me tell you a story about how a nation fought for its freedom against a tyrant. And that nation honored the bald eagle, you Lucy, to be its national bird.” That got her attention. “I’ll make a long story short. There was once a ruthless and tyrannical king that suppressed his people. He sent out people to establish colonies in another part of the world. Those same people tried every peaceful way to gain their freedom from his oppression. But the king sent an army to suppress them anyway.” I had her complete attention, and Fluttershy’s as well. “But they understood that freedom for all does not come from man but by nature. It’s the natural right of all to be free, so they fought back. And won their freedom.” There was a figurative fire in my eyes as I told the tale, which I began to see in hers as I continued. “Now that they were a free nation, they needed a symbol. Once they saw your kind flying high in the sky, they knew they found their symbol. The bald eagle is a protected national bird that stands for freedom. Living as you do on the tops of the mountains, amid the grandeur of nature herself. Unlimited freedom of choice and will. You stand for the defense of the weak, helpless, or injured.”

By now she was standing tall and proud on her perch. “I won’t ask you to be my pet.” That got a look of surprise out of her. And with a smirk of my own, I told her, “What I will ask is will you be my friend? Because a pet is bound to house and home. A friend is not.”

She appeared to reply then saw something behind me. Her eyes went wide as she locked onto whatever it was then gave out a soft sharp chirp and bowed her head as ponies would bow to my mother and Aunt Luna. After turning around, to figure out what it was, I saw Philomena standing there.

“Oh, hi honey,” I smiled to her before she stepped up to me giving me a hug before rubbing her cheek against mine.

“My mate,” she cooed then looked to Lucy chirping out a reply.

I watched the startled and shocked reaction from Lucy as she heard what Philomena said. Lucy looked between us before chirping out what sounded like a question to Philomena. It was fascinating to watch the two interact. Especially how Philomena can talk to ponies and people as well as birds. I guess that’s Equestrian magic for you. While they were talking, Philomena had her arms linked with mine and leaning against me. After another minute or two, they stopped talking and Lucy looked up to me and nodded once to me standing tall and proud.

“Lucy say, it would be honor to be you, friend,” Philomena told me as she looked up at me with a wide smile.

With a smile of my own, my eyes met Lucy’s, and held out an arm, “Thank you, Lucy. We’ll leave a window open for you to come and go as you please.” She accepted by stepping onto my outstretched arm and side-stepping herself up it to perch on my shoulder. I got wide shoulders. “Welcome to the family, Lucy.”

Lucy chirped happily once. “I’m so happy for you, Lucy. That’s what this fundraiser is all about, making friends with the animals.”

“Indeed it is, Fluttershy.” Looking down at her I asked, “Now, how are you doing? I ask because you look a little under the weather, as we humans say.”

She blinked once, then understood what I meant. “Oh, well for the past few days I haven’t felt good in the morning. Even threw up twice, yesterday and today. But I’m not worried about it. Probably something I ate.”

“Yeah,” nodding to her in agreement, “you’re probably right.” Leaning down I took her head in my hands, giving her a soft kiss. “Watch what you eat alright?” She nodded with a smile. “Need any help around here?”

She shook her head while looking around, “I don’t think so. Everything is covered.”

“Well, alrighty then,” I said mimicking Ace Ventura. “I think we’ll find out what Twilight’s doing.”

Fluttershy giggled at my antics, as Philomena simply shook her head at me. “Ok,” she said waving to us as we walked off.

Philomena said that she left Twilight at Sugarcube Corner. She and AJ were baking there. So, that’s where we went. I think more of the town is starting to open up to me because I got some hello’s as we walked toward the bakery. At this point, it was lunchtime, so there was a small line there. After a wave to Pinkie, we took a seat at a corner booth and waited for the line to shrink plus for Pinkie to get a break before ordering. Lucy hopped down from my shoulder to perch on the back of the bench seat we were on behind me. We weren’t there long before Rainbow walked in with Harmony behind her. A second later they spotted us, came over, and sat down at our table.

“Whoa, cool bird dude,” Rainbow said after a soft whistle. “I remember her competing in my competition for a pet two years ago.”

“Yeah?” I asked wanting to know more as Harmony greeted me with a wink and a smile before sitting down at the table.

“Yeah, but it didn’t work out and I went with a turtle.” And she said it seriously too. I had to raise an eyebrow at that. Rainbow giggled, “Yeah I know, but let me tell you though. Tank, that’s his name, is built like one. Like a tank and picked me up and brought me all the way to the finish line by himself after I was injured.”

“I’ll admit, that’s cool.”

“Yeah, but he couldn’t fly though,” Rainbow commented.

“That’s where I came in,” Twilight said, announcing her presence, also sitting down at the table. “I was able to come up with the apparatus to make him fly.”

“So, why this eagle?” Harmony asked curiously as the crowd started to thin out.

“She’s our nation’s national bird,” I told them with pride. “Shortly after we won our independence from a tyrannical king, we needed a symbol. And Lucy here was picked. She stands for freedom of will, choice, and might. And watch the claws when provoked.” A grin spread across my face at that last sentence thinking about all the pictures of the bald eagle doing just that. Sharpening her claws for battle. I got mixed reactions from impressed and curious to careful and wary. Twilight was the one interested in the history, of course. Rainbow was the one impressed while the rest seemed wary. “So, I asked her to be my friend. Not my pet.”

“Can you go over that in more detail tonight?”

I had to smirk at Twilight when she asked. “Yes Twilight, I will.”

“How’re the preparations going y’all?” AJ asked us as she and Pinkie walked up to the table from behind the counter. We greeted them and Pinkie surprised me by wiggling herself into my lap with a giggle. Harmony was curious about her because of it. Pinkie grabbed my hands and wrapped them around her. The smell of baked goods assaulted my nose after she sat down. I bet AJ smelled the same too.

“Actually, according to the schedule we’re doing just fine,” Twilight mused happily after checking her list. “We’re on schedule for the fundraiser tomorrow.”

“Yeah, no sweat Twilight,” Rainbow piped up, “we got the skies covered. Nothing but clear skies tomorrow.” Then she thumbed to Harmony, “And she’s doing ok too. Little weak on the flying though.”

I knew why that was too, but I wasn’t going to say anything.

“I didn’t fly much in Canterlot,” Harmony’s voice held nervousness as she told us.

“Well, if you stay here you’ll definitely get the practice in,” Rainbow was practically grinning evilly at her.

Harmony looked over to me and winked again, “Well I definitely want to stay.”

“Then welcome to Ponyville,” AJ said to her shaking her hand. “The name’s Applejack, what’s yours?”

“Dark Harmony,” she said as her voice shook because of how fast AJ was shaking her hand.

“Well, pleased to meet you. What brings you out here?”

“Fred,” Harmony smiled over at me. Now all their eyes were on me as well.

“You mean you left Canterlot for him?” AJ sounded as if she couldn’t believe her ears either.

My inner ass had to come out and play. It was just too good to pass up. “Oh, I see,” my voice held mischief as I grinned at both of them, “so, you’re saying that I’m not worth it, right?”

“Oh, no of course not,” AJ said immediately.

“What? No!” Rainbow echoed her but I wouldn’t let it slide.

I gave them a smirk and waited. The other girls started to silently giggle.

“Oh don’t give me a look, you know what we mean.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow echoed AJ. “That’s not what we meant and you are totally worth it.” I waited a beat and simply smiled at Rainbow. “Horseapples, he reeled me in again.” Everypony around the table giggled.

That’s when Missus Cake came out with lunch now that most of the patrons are either served or gone. “Here you go dears,” said while putting our dishes onto the table, “and thank you Pinkie and Applejack for your help cooking.”

Pinkie just giggled and bounced in my lap. “Think nothing of it, Missus Cake, glad to help,” AJ said with a smile.

“How are you and the twins doing?” Twilight asked her.

Missus Cake laughed with joy in her heart which we could see in her eyes as she met ours. “Oh, they’re fine. Just put them down for a nap. But let me tell you, I’ll be so happy when they get out of the diaper stage. You wouldn’t believe how many we go through.” She paused before giggling, “Then again it’s not nearly as bad as the pregnancy. The morning sickness and diet change was a killer. Not to mention the mood-“

And that’s all my mind heard of the conversation. Because something clicked in my mind as the information ran through. I was lost in my own little world as reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I finally realized that Pinkie was trying to get my attention by shaking me.

“Fred,” her voice sounded fearful as she shook me gently to try and bring me out of my trance.

“Dude stop it already,” Rainbow waved a hand in front of my face, “you’re freaking me out again.”

“She’s pregnant,” my voice was almost a whisper as I looked around the table at everypony.

“Who is sugarcube?”

There’s no doubt that a host of emotions were seen on my face as my eyes looked between them. “Fluttershy.”

“But that’s impossible,” Twilight dismissed with a short giggle, “she wasn’t in heat at the time.”

“But it fits,” I urged, looking at her with widened eyes. “She’s been eating meat and I’m not just talking about the fish either. And just this morning, a short time ago, she told me that yesterday and the day before that she threw up in the morning.”

There were gasps around the table and I could see the gears turning in Twilight’s head. “But a mare can’t get pregnant outside of heat unless there’s an outside force….inducing…” She paused as it hit her as well. “Sweet Celestia’s sun in the sky,” Twilight exclaimed. “Flutterbat.”

“I don’t get it what did that have to do with us?” Rainbow questioned.

“When she got turned to Flutterbat, it was the bat's attributes that she absorbed. That must have included their reproductive cycle,” Twilight explained, though her tone of voice told us she wasn’t sure if even she believed it.

“Tartarus,” AJ cursed softly.

“Horseapples, now I feel worse about it,” Rainbow slunk deeper into her seat.

“First things first, first things first,” said while scooting myself out of the seat as Pinkie stood up. “We need to have her checked out.” I didn’t even wait for them before heading toward the door. “Come on, Lucy. We’re heading back to Fluttershy.”

^_^

“Pregnant?” We all met up with Fluttershy back at the temporary pen she set up for her animals. She was just as shocked and surprised as I was at the news. I was standing beside her with an arm around her with Philomena on the other side. The other girls looked awful about it, except for Dark Harmony of course.

“It fits, so why don’t you get yourself checked first before I start to panic, I mean we start to panic, I mean worry.” I started stammering until Fluttershy giggled at me and put a finger over my lips.

“Ok, let’s go get checked out,” she agreed, and off we were with everypony in tow. The whole way there my mind was filled with possibilities. Could I really be a father now? Am I ready? I knew the answer to the second question and that was a resounding “NO.” But I was going to do my best no matter what it took. I’ll have to talk with Twilight and Philomena about possibly moving in with Fluttershy now. Maybe. I was practically in a trance as we walked into the hospital and saw the doctor for the test. My mind thought up that cliché where the father was smoking heavily and quickly in the waiting room during the delivery. That’s what I felt like and this was just to see if she was pregnant in the first place. The doctor simply took a blood sample to check then a urine test.

“And the verdict is…,” the doctor teased us as he walked back into the room. He closed the folder with a wide smile looking to Fluttershy. “You’re pregnant Miss Fluttershy.”

Mixed emotions flooded the room. Which was felt by the kind doctor, so he excused himself to give us some privacy. Pinkie, Rainbow, AJ, and Twilight was both happy and filled with guilt at the same time. My mind was a mix of joy and terror with one thought running through my mind. I’m a father now. Holy shit. Philomena had a wide smile on her face as she and the other girls cooed over Fluttershy, which was simply glowing with joy in spite of the method of conception.

It was Miss Harmony that brought me back down to earth when she snapped her fingers in front of my face to get my attention. “So, handsome, what do you think about being a father?”

“Yeah, dude,” Rainbow walked over to punch me in the arm, “what do you think? You’ve been in space ever since Sugarcube Corner.”

I took a second for a calming breath. “It’s just…,” Fluttershy walked up to me with that cute smile of hers and gently put a hand to my chest, “that I’m excited and afraid at the same time. That I’m not ready.” Looking down at her my face showed all my excitement and fear while taking her in my arms.

She giggled as the other girls smiled. “Me too, Fred,” Fluttershy admitted with a nervous smile. “You can never be truly ready to be a parent, but I know that you will try your best.”

“I will, I promise,” I told her. “I’d like to move in with you and help you. It’s our child after all and I want to be with you.” My eyes immediately looked over to Philomena and Twilight. At first, I wasn’t sure what they would think about this. Whether they would go with it or not. But both of them agreed with it with a nod and a smile.

“Fred, I’m pregnant not injured,” Fluttershy teased up at me with a humorous look.

“I know, I know,” I told her while trying to calm down my beating heart, “but humor me, alright? It’s a human thing. I want to be there with you, for you, and for our child. To help you through this and to help you raise it. It’s only natural, right? I mean, now that we know there’s lots to talk about. Regarding the child and us.”

“And telling your mother,” Twilight smirked at me.

Fluttershy and the other girls giggled at the image of an excited Princess Celestia being a grandmother. “Oh my. You’re right, Fred. We do have lots to talk about. So, alright you can stay with me.” She was blushing when she said it.

“And there’s no time like the present to tell her,” Twilight said with a grin, producing a pencil and parchment with her magic, and floated them over to me.

“She’s going to flip at this news,” AJ commented with a giggle.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Rainbow agreed. “She’s a grandmother now.”

While the girls talked with Fluttershy, and after she sat back down, I started on the letter to my mother. Yep, she’s a grandmother now. My message was simple. After reminding her of the Flutterbat incident I told her that because of that, and certain physical changes, Fluttershy got pregnant. And now she’s a grandmother. And for now, I will be staying with Fluttershy. And that we’re still at the hospital and had just spoken with the doctor.

“There,” Twilight said to me after making the letter disappear with her magic, “it’s on its way. I think we can imagine what her reaction will be.”

“Yeah, she’ll be more excited than me while planning for a party,” Pinkie giggled, bouncing in place.

Rainbow chuckled with a smirk, “She’ll probably pull off a sonic boom just to get here from Canterlot.”

“We’ve got to tell Rarity.”

“Oh but we aren’t ready for the baby clothes yet,” Fluttershy giggled at the image of Rarity finding out that her friend is pregnant and what she would make.

I waited, letting them talk, and listened. They picked up on it and asked me. “What is it Sugarcube?”

“I’m waiting for something,” I replied.

Of course, they were confused and it showed on their faces. But a second later both Fluttershy, Rainbow, Twilight, and Dark Harmony were putting their hands or fingers to their ears. “Ow, what the…”

I chuckled, “And there it is. Mother just found out.”

“How can you tell?” Twilight asked while trying to block it out with her hands.

“Because Mother’s squeal of delight just went supersonic into the higher frequencies.” A few seconds later we heard the dogs howling throughout the town. While I was smirking at them, Twilight used her magic to put up a sound dampening field around us.

“That’s better,” Twilight whispered in relief.

“Thanks, Twilight,” Rainbow thanked her as did Fluttershy and Harmony.

With a smile, I held up three fingers, “Three, two, one,” I counted down before a flash of magic announced my Mother arriving in our room. She looked so happy that I thought her smile would break her face. I think she stopped squealing because the girls weren’t trying to plug their ears anymore. But she was giggling up a storm and bouncing in place. And when she spotted Fluttershy, she had scooped up the poor pegasus into her arms before she could say anything. The whole time she had Fluttershy in her arms, hugging and dancing with her, she was constantly saying, “I’m a grandmother.”

“Fluttershy’s getting dizzy Mother,” I told her as the girls giggled and laughed mostly in delight, not because Fluttershy was getting dizzy.

Thankfully, Mother saw it, stopped, and set her down, but still held her by the arms, “Oh, I’m sorry but I can’t believe it. I’m a grandmother.”

“Yes, you are,” AJ acknowledged with a smile. “And it’d be my pleasure to make a crib for the little tyke.”

“Thank you AJ,” I told her gratefully, which she nodded with a smile.

“I’m sure we can all contribute something,” Twilight giggled happily as I gently took Fluttershy by the arms to protect her from my overly excited Mother.

She smiled up at me before speaking to my mother, “For right now, Fred will be staying with me while we talk things out.”

“Oh now don’t worry about a thing,” Mother cooed at us. “You’ll have whatever you need.” Then she looked over at me stepped up and hugged me from the side, “My sunshine boy is a father.” Which is both exciting and terrifying. “But I’m glad you’re doing the right thing and taking care of her. So, what are you two going to do now?”

“That’s what we have to talk about,” Fluttershy said to her.

Mother hugged us both, putting her wings around us, “Whatever you decide my sister and I will be behind you.”

“There wasn’t any doubt about that, Mother,” I chuckled as she released us.

“Just remember,” Mother continued, “that if you need to talk about anything you can come see me anytime day or night.”

“I will, Princess Celestia,” Fluttershy told her.

Mother dismissed the formality with another happily giggle, “Just call me Tia or mom,” before giving us both another hug.

“Oh, ok,” Fluttershy softly agreed before Mother latched onto me again giving me another big hug.

“I’m so happy my sunshine boy, but I know you all are busy, so we’ll talk more tonight.” She gave Fluttershy another soft hug before disappearing in a flash of magic.

“I think it’s about time we got out of here,” AJ commented and headed toward the door.

“Yeah, we all have a fundraiser to get ready for tomorrow,” Pinkie skipped her way out the door.

And we did. Philomena, Lucy, and I stayed with Fluttershy throughout the rest of the day. Her chores were simply making sure the animals were fed and watered throughout the day. And had enough water to last the night. Rarity found out shortly after the girls left the hospital, which had her squealing over Fluttershy for about half an hour. And was already thinking about making some baby blankets, booties, and other baby things. The word spread from there and while they seemed excited for Fluttershy, they had mixed reactions that I was the father. That got me thinking of how the nobles will take it and how much grief they’ll give her over it. I didn’t care what they said about me, I just wanted to protect sweet Fluttershy.

We finally got back to the cottage and were able to relax over some herbal tea. Relaxing herbs due to how her day went. “I’m concerned about how the Canterlot nobles might make a deal out of this and cause trouble for you,” I told her after she served the tea for us. Philomena, Fluttershy, and I were at the kitchen table while Lucy was perched by an open window.

“I’m not worried,” she commented in return, “everypony around here seemed genuinely excited for me.”

“Yeah, but they all know you here, and aren’t persuaded by politics either.” Leaning back in the chair I sipped the tea in thought. “Blueblood has been cut off from the outside which means that he can’t order anypony from inside anymore. However, even after my little speech to the council odds are there’s going to be those who won’t change. And thus will seek to do anything they can to either get rid of me or discredit me. And with that in mind is why I want to do everything I can to protect you from that.”

“Oh, well thank you, Fred but I’m not worried,” she dismissed with a smile. “I’ve got my friends, you two included, and Discord to help me.”

I blinked at the last name. “Discord, who’s Discord?”

A flash of magic later and a creature appeared floating above the table. It was sitting in an upside-down chair hovering above the table. It was so strange and looked like something a god had sneezed together from a bunch of different animals and called it good enough. “That would be me,” he said staring down at me.

“Hi Discord,” Fluttershy giggled in greeting. “Fred was just telling me how concerned he is about what the Canterlot nobles might do to me.”

Discord scoffed it off with a quick laugh, “Why would they? Not like you have anything to do with them. Besides they wouldn’t dare.”

“They’d dare alright,” I mused.

Fluttershy answered him with, “Because I’m pregnant with his foal.”

Discord floated upside down in shock for about two seconds before he was on the floor in an instant and staring me right in the face with literal fire in his eyes. “What did you do?”

“It wasn’t him, Discord,” Fluttershy said quickly to calm him down. “It was Flutterbat that forced it on him after she bit him which paralyzed him.” When he looked at her in confusion she continued more calmly, “It started one morning when the fruit bats came to AJ’s orchard. My friends convinced me to use my stare on the bats so Twilight can use a spell on them, so they wouldn’t eat all the apples. But that turned me into Flutterbat. Because Twilight’s spell gave me fruit bat attributes, which also included their reproductive cycle. Flutterbat bit him, paralyzed him, and then…um…”

Discord waved a claw, “I get the idea.” At least he didn’t look like he was about to kill me. His face softened with concern, “It must have been horrible for you.” Naturally, he wasn’t speaking to me with this concern.

“Would you believe that she thought it was her fault for a time? Before we convinced her otherwise that is?”

“Oh but not anymore and I’m fine now,” Fluttershy reassured him.

So, this is the Discord character mother told me about. He does seem protective of her, not that I blame him any. I am too. “You seem protective of her,” I addressed him.

“One of my only friends, so of course I am,” he replied.

“Good,” I nodded to him, looking at him with a firm calculating look. “So, I can trust you to watch over her and our foal then?”

“What am I, a foalsitter?” there was resentment in his voice and shock on his face as he sat down in mid-air turning his back to me.

“Oh, that’s not exactly what he meant,” Fluttershy urged him to listen which he turned his head to her. “He meant watching over me while I’m pregnant. You don’t have to be a foalsitter if you don’t want to. The foal won’t be born for another eight months anyway.”

“Surely you want to make sure she’s safe don’t you?” I reiterated for him.

“Of course I do,” his face showed a firm resolve to that fact. Then he seemed to think about it. “Alright, I’ll make sure that Fluttershy’s safe. Besides isn’t that what good friends are supposed to do?”

“Yep.”

Fluttershy giggled, “Of course it is.” Philomena had remained silent throughout this. Which concerned me a little. She seemed tense. I tried calming her by running my fingers up and down her arm and shoulder. I don’t think she likes him.

“And it seems that you have been up to quite a bit haven’t you little man?” he turned back toward me in asking. It was one of those questions that seemed innocent enough, but had that strong I don’t like you feel to it. Then looking to Philomena, “Such as getting together with this little firebrand.” When he leaned in closer to her with a grin she simply stared back at him, igniting some fire his way in protest. “Ooh,” he jerked back blinking in faux shock, then grinned again. “Still as hot as ever.”

“It’s been an adventure,” I told him, hopefully getting his attention off of her and back onto me again.

“Won’t you stay for a bit, Discord?” Fluttershy asked, much to the shock of Philomena.

Thankfully he shook his head, “Later my dear, Fluttershy.” He started walking away, opened up a door in mid-air. “Ta Ta,” he sing-songed before stepping through and shutting the door behind him.

“He’s really not bad after you get to know him,” Fluttershy said in his defense.

“Don’t want to know him,” Philomena huffed defiantly. “Was there when he humiliated Celestia and Luna.”

“That explains your feelings then,” I mused while still trying to calm her down with my hand. “Mother told me a little about it.”

“He’s not like that anymore. I believe that he’s changed for the better.”

“Let’s hope so for everyone’s sake,” I said after finishing my tea. “At any rate, it’s getting late and you have a fundraiser to do tomorrow.”

She got up and began cleaning off the table, “Oh yes, we better turn in.” She stopped about halfway to the kitchen the turned around again with a blush on her face. “Um…Fred…you can sleep with me…if you want to. Philomena too.”

Philomena nodded, so I did the same, “Sure, Fluttershy.”

After taking care of the dishes, and quickly I might add, we went upstairs and got ready for bed. Luckily for us, the bed was large enough for the three of us. Who knew? It was after we got to her room that both of the girls surprised me with a strip show. Seeing Fluttershy slowly stripping for me, blushing beet red, and acting shy while doing so was one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen. And all throughout was Philomena, dancing along with her while encouraging her with words or actions. It was a beautiful night.

^_^

The next morning, Fluttershy’s mind was preoccupied with the fundraiser. Her excitement for it showed in every step she took and how her face glowed this morning. Breakfast was quick because she wanted to check in with Rarity and the Pony Tones. She was literally half floating and half skipping the whole way to the stage. “It’s such a beautiful day,” Fluttershy mused happily as we walked up to the stage. Rarity and the other two performers were there already, standing and waiting. Save for one. “Good morning Pony Tones,” Fluttershy greeted cheerfully.

“Morning, Fluttershy,” the mare greeted happily in return.

“Where’s Big Mac?” Fluttershy asked as Philomena and I stood beside her.

“He’s conveniently late this morning,” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Which makes the Pony Tones minus one tone.”

“Oh dear, I hope he gets here-“

“There he is,” I interrupted Fluttershy, seeing Big Mac running toward the stage. Everypony turned to watch him pant up a storm as he walked up onto the stage. Then leaned forward to catch his breath with his hands on his knees.

“Thank you for arriving Big Mac,” Rarity chided as she stepped up to him. He wanted to say something, but Rarity cut him off with a wave of her hand, “I don’t want to hear it.” She used her magic to correct his bow tie while practically dragging him across the stage to his proper position. As I watched him, something struck me as wrong. And it was plain that something was indeed wrong when he didn’t start the song after Rarity played the starting note. He stood there looking ashamed and embarrassed. “Big Mac? Would you please start the song?”

He took a calming breath and spoke out in a soft hoarse tone that was clearly the reason he couldn’t, “Nope.”

Everypony gasped as Rarity stepped up to him, now worried, “Big Mac whatever happened to your voice?”

“Well…it was the turkey call competition,” he croaked out in embarrassment.

Rarity grabbed his bow tie by her hand and brought his face down to hers. There was a figurative fire in her eyes as she glared up at him. “A turkey call? You lost your voice to a…TURKEY CALL?!”

Right then, Pinkie popped up out of nowhere and skipped in front of us, gleefully calling out, “Lost his voice and the title.” And skipped off mimicking a turkey call that was louder than an actual turkey.

How does she do that?

“What will you do?” Fluttershy asked, now worried for the fundraiser. “Can you still perform?”

“I’m afraid not Fluttershy,” Rarity said sadly.

“Why not?”

“Because it would take rearranging the music and we just don’t have time,” Rarity began to walk off the stage followed by the rest. Fluttershy simply looked downhearted. Rarity stepped up to her and hugged her, “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but I don’t see a way to remedy the situation.”

Fluttershy hugged back before breaking the hug, holding her friend in front of her and with an excited expression saying, “Remedy! A remedy.” She looked over to Big Mac, “Big Mac needs a remedy. This way, we’ll go to Zecora.”

And so with Big Mac in tow, Fluttershy, Rarity, Philomena, Lucy, and I headed over to see this Zecora. I had no clue who this Zecora was, but at first, I thought she was a pony in town. That got squashed when we walked right into the Everfree forest. “Just who is Zecora and why are we going into the Everfree?”

“Zecora is a zebra shaman that lives in the Everfree forest,” Rarity explained while trying to keep herself clean as she carefully stepped through the path. “We met her a little over three years ago. She kept walking into town wanting to shop, but we were afraid of her I’m ashamed to say. In short, thanks to Apple Bloom she became our friend by helping us with the Poison Joke remedy.”

“Poison Joke?” I asked curiously.

She pointed toward some pretty blue flowers off to the side of the path we were walking by. “They look harmless, but when touched they pull a joke on you. Like a cruel prank. Best to never touch them.”

“Don’t worry I don’t plan to,” I told her while giving them a very wide berth. “Something tells me I don’t want to know what they will do to me.”

“She’s just up ahead,” Fluttershy called out from the front. Up ahead my eyes spotted a large tree that was made into a hut. Similar to the library, but smaller. One door and a circular window decorated the front of the tree with many tribal masks and other ornaments scattered around it. It seemed so odd and out of place to me. It would fit right in with some tribes in Africa though. Fluttershy was first up to the door.

“Zecora?” she knocked on the door as we stood behind her. “It’s Fluttershy and I’ve brought some friends.” Big Mac and Rarity were standing next to her when the door opened. And in the doorway stood a black and white striped anthropomorphic Zebra. Her “mane” was nothing but a Mohawk. She had on golden rings around her neck and wrists while wearing something similar to skin but I knew it wasn’t. It was fashioned similar to a bikini. And that was it. She stood about four or so inches taller than Fluttershy.

“It is Fluttershy, my dear friend,” she spoke in rhymes, which surprised me. “Is there something I need to mend?”

“Oh yes, actually,” Fluttershy stepped aside motioning to Big Mac. “You see Big Mac lost his voice and he sings with the Pony Tones. They’re supposed to sing for the fundraiser today, but can’t. So, I hoped that you would have something to help him.”

She took a look at him with a smile, “Come inside, and let’s find out, whether or not he will croak or shout.” Then she turned and went inside. Big Mac, Rarity, and Fluttershy were first, then Philomena and I.

After we got inside Fluttershy decided to introduce me to her, “Oh Zecora, I want you to meet someone.” While Fluttershy stepped away from Rarity and Big Mac is when Zecora saw me.

I did what anyone else would do. I gave her a smile and waved a hand in greeting as Fluttershy stepped over to us. In the span of two seconds, the look in her eyes went from happy to be with some friends to I’m going to kill you. She started shouting something in another language that I couldn’t understand. Shouted at me so loud and sudden it jump scared all of us. Poor Fluttershy dashed behind Big Mac in fright. It shocked me as well, but even more so when she turned around and started grabbing a couple of bottles.

“Zecora!?” Rarity shouted, trying to get her attention while I backed up toward the door in caution. “Stop it this instant!” It didn’t help because Zecora was still shouting in that other language that we couldn’t understand.

And quicker than I ever thought possible, she turned around and flung a couple of bottles of blue liquid at me. I didn’t even have time to bring up my hands to shield my face, much less put up my shield. Both of the bottles hit my face, shattered and the blue liquid ran down my face. It hurt like hell when it hit because parts of the bottle, being glass, dug into my skin. Which had me shouting in pain with my hands to my face. Unfortunately, that was just the start of this nightmare. While Big Mac, Rarity, and Philomena were trying to hold back Zecora, my world started spinning. And while it was disorienting it also took away some of the pain. It also revealed what was in the bottles. Pulling a shaking hand away from my face showed me a blue pedal. And as the world started to fade away I was able to utter two words, “Oh fuck!”

^_^

The next thing I knew was that my body was underwater in a large wooden tub. It was like coming up from a nightmare as my senses returned to me. While my body gasped for air after surfacing, the memory of what Zecora threw at me returned as well. After taking a few coughs and wiping my wet hair out of my eyes, I was able to look around. It was the large soaking tub in the spa and everypony was there. Twilight and the girls with Philomena were all looking at me with fearful concerned looks on their faces. While bracing myself against the edge of the tub with my arms, I looked over at them, “Alright, just what the hell did that poison joke do to me and where the hell is Zecora?”

They immediately brightened, some letting out a sigh of relief.

“Why do you want to know where Zecora is?” Fluttershy asked timidly. Her eyes still held some nervousness for me in them.

My fingers interlocked and a wicked grin slowly crept up on my face, “Let’s just say she needs to learn some manners. She chucked those bottles at me knowing full well she had no idea what they would do to me. And by the looks on your faces, I’m probably better off not knowing what happened.” The looks on their faces were all I needed. “And by the looks, you’re giving me, I’m right. Just tell me how long was I under its influence.”

“Long enough that the fundraiser was ruined,” Rarity’s soft saddened voice hit my ears. “We know it wasn’t your fault, darling.” The rest agreed with soft words or nods.

Twilight and Philomena both stepped up to me hugging me. “We’re just thankful that you’re back to normal,” Twilight said softly to me. Philomena seconded that with a soft coo of her own.

“I’m glad I’m back to normal as well,” I hugged them in return. But after pulling back they could tell, by the look in my eyes, that it wasn’t the end of it. “However, she’s going to answer for this.” Taking a quick look down proved that I was naked and a quick look around didn’t show me my clothes. “Do I even want to know what happened to my clothes?” When they didn’t answer right away, I hung my head with a sigh, “Alright just tell me what happened.”

“In short,” AJ said after clearing her throat, “you went on a naked rampage through the city. Burning things, destroying things. The fundraiser decorations were destroyed and the animals scattered. And while everyone and everypony were busy trying to put out the fires, and while we were trying to get Twilight and calm you down, you had decided that every mare in town was now part of your harem.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. While she was explaining it to me I put my hands to my face, as if to hide, while shaking my head. “Good god.” Underneath the embarrassment was anger. When my eyes spotted a robe hanging on the wall, my hand shot out, and used my magic to levitate it over to me. Then I got out of the tub and wrapped it around me.

“Uh...dude, where you going?”

“Zecora’s, Rainbow,” I told her and headed toward the exit.

“Now sugarcube,” AJ cautioned me as she stepped in front of me, “you’re not going to do anything rash are you?”

I looked down at her with an almost manic grin, “Why no. I’m just going to bring her to town, dragging her by her Mohawk if I have to, and have her issue a public apology to both myself and to the town explaining what happened. So, you girls are going to keep helping with putting out the fires and repairs. Twilight I want you to speak to Mayor Mare about what happened and to have the town assemble in front of Town Hall. Philomena and I are going to bring Zecora to town.”

^_^

The trek through town was one of embarrassment and anger. Even though I knew it wasn’t my fault, it was still embarrassing what I did under the poison joke plant. And anger that Zecora had purposely thrown those bottles at me knowing full well she didn’t know how it would affect me. So, I got mixed reactions from fear and caution to simply confused from the town. Not everypony, though, gave me a bad look.

“Hey, Fred,” came a young girl’s voice off to the side. It proved to be Apple Bloom and her friends when I turned to look.

“Hey girls,” I greeted them with a small smile as we reached the edge of the city.

“We’ve been hearing something about you tearing up the city,” Scootaloo’s tone of voice held accusation and caution in it. Not surprising.

“But you would never do that,” Sweetie came to my defense.

“Not on purpose or willingly, you’re right, Sweetie,” I told her. “Zecora hit me, purposely, with poison joke when we went with Fluttershy to see her about a remedy for Big Mac.”

“Oh, well that would explain why you pretty much attacked the town,” Apple Bloom looked up at me defending me. “Poison joke could turn you evil as a prank.”

“But why would Zecora do that?” Scootaloo questioned as we started walking into the forest. “We know she wouldn’t do anything to hurt the town.”

“She hates humans,” Apple Bloom spoke up. “We talk a lot as she teaches me about plants and herbs. And she’s witnessed that poison joke won’t work on a human.”

“And since I’m not entirely human…” I trailed off looking down at them.

“It affected you because you’re part pony,” Sweetie finished. “But did she know that?”

“I’ve never met her until today,” I told them.

“She must have been just grabbing bottles and tossing them,” Scootaloo mused aloud as we walked down the path.

“We’ve got to talk to her about it, come on,” Apple Bloom took the lead to Zecora’s. I’m glad that they’re with me because it will force me to keep my anger in check. She had a lot to answer for and she was going to do it one way or another.

^_^

Apple Bloom was the first one to reach Zecora’s hut and start knocking on her door. “Zecora? You there?” We were just about five feet or so behind her, and me with my shield up already, as the door started to open.

Zecora saw Apple Bloom first giving her a wide happy smile before the other two walked up beside her. “Apple Bloom and friends,” Zecora started saying before spotting me, “what are…” Then stopped when our eyes met. And the look in them now told me that she wasn’t sorry for what happened. Either that or she didn’t know what happened.

“You have a lot to answer for, Zecora,” I told her stepping up behind the girls. The girls parted for me as I continued, “Because of you, the poison joke sent me on a rampage through the city. Ruining Fluttershy’s fundraiser and tarnishing my good name that I’ve worked hard to establish.”

She actually snorted at me sounding almost like an angry bull with angry narrowed eyes.

Alright, if that’s the way she wants to play it. My eyes narrowed right back at her. “You have two choices, Zecora. Either go back to town, where Mayor Mare is waiting for you, to speak with them and explain that it was you who threw the poison joke on me and therefore your fault. Contribute every bit you have to Fluttershy’s fundraiser and publicly apologize.” I stepped up to her and ignited my hand to emphasize my authority. She took a step back now looking uncertain of herself. “Or I come back with my Mother, Aunt Luna, and soldiers to have you hauled away to the dungeons to answer for your crimes against the crown and the citizens of Ponyville.” By the time I got done, we had backed all the way into her hut with her back against the wall.

I didn’t know why she felt the obvious way she did, but this time I won’t tolerate it if she had the ability to turn me into a maniac. And the look in her eyes told me that she knew it too. And that she was rolling the options in her head.

“Zecora? Why would you do something like that?” Apple Bloom asked her. Even I could hear the hurt in her voice. She must have seen Zecora as a teacher for her potion lessons. Having seen this horrible side to her must hurt. “Fred is a prince and a good…um,” she hesitated while mulling it over, “human pony…um…thing?” She really didn’t know what to call me. To reassure her, I reached over and patted her head. She giggled slightly, “My sister didn’t like him at first, but now calls him a friend.”

“As does my sister,” Sweetie stepped up on the other side of me. “She felt so awful about how she treated him and now she's his friend too.”

“Even Rainbow Dash is friends with him,” Scootaloo spoke up from behind Sweetie Belle. Then she sounded uncertain. “At least I think she does. When I visit her, I hear her whispering his name and moaning sometimes. What’s up with that?”

I couldn’t take my eyes off of Zecora in fear of what she might do. But my eyes went wide when my ears picked up that bit of news and the heat in my face told me that I was blushing as well. That sent my mind right to the gutter, which I really couldn’t afford right now. So, it was time to keep it on topic. “What’s your choice Zecora?”

After taking a quick look at the three whispering girls and one more look at me, and my flaming hand, she relented with a slow nod. Though the hatred in her eyes didn’t fade any, her resolve did thankfully.

“Good choice,” putting out my hand I motioned her toward the door. “March!”

^_^

The girls were in front of Zecora and with me following her making sure she didn’t change her mind. And with me still, in my robe, we walked back into town and up to town hall. Mayor Mare was there along with the girls and the rest of the town. All the fires were put out, but there was still lots of damage to fix. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo walked up to their respective sisters and Rainbow Dash. As I followed Zecora as she took her place beside the Mayor. The crowd started to quiet down as we approached and with me getting mixed reactions from the public. Which, hopefully, would be taken care of right now. And with me standing behind Zecora with my arms crossed over my chest I heard her speak.

“The fires and damage to the town that I’ve seen are true. And all caused by a flower that is blue. The flower that is blue, that I have said. I threw a bottle of it at the human named Fred.” Not acknowledging my position I noticed. The crowd started murmuring and complaining when she said that.

“Are you telling me Zecora that you are the one that poisoned Prince Fred with the poison joke that sent him on the rampage through the city?” Mayor Mare asked with a disappointed tone.

“It is true, I’m the one that hit him with a flower that is blue,” Zecora acknowledged her with a nod. “To the damage to the city and the chaos done, I am of remorse. However, of the human named Fred, he can get beaten by a horse.” She turned to me and looked at me with a hateful glare when saying the last sentence. Then without another word, she turned and started leaving.

“Say what now?!” AJ’s voice shot out above the murmuring crowd like the crack of a whip.

“Zecora?! Why on earth would you say something like that?!” Apple Bloom asked as Zecora simply walked by her without another word.

The whole town watched her walk away. And as the crowd started to disburse I was able to hear some agree with her and some disagreed with her. Philomena and Twilight were at my side in seconds with the rest of the girls walking up to me.

“I’ve never seen her like that,” Fluttershy spoke out softly as she stood in front of me.

“Neither have I,” Sweetie agreed in shock.

“I can’t believe that she’s like that,” Apple Bloom complained, her voice holding a sad tone to it. “She’s always nice to me, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Always helping me with my studies.”

AJ stepped up to talk with the three young girls while I stepped up to Mayor Mare. “Mayor Mare?” I continued when she turned to look up at me. “Why don’t you try and take up a collection for Fluttershy and the Pet Center from the town. I’ll help as well.”

“Thank you, Prince Fred,” she actually smiled at me this time. “That will be most helpful.

When I turned around Apple Bloom and her friends were waving goodbye to me, so I returned it with a smile wishing them a good day. “Twilight? Didn’t I hear that the girl’s lessons are tomorrow?” I asked her, standing in front of her.

“Yes.”

“In that case,” now turning toward Rainbow and Harmony, “you mind if I take time to spend with Rainbow and Harmony tomorrow?”

“I think that would be alright,” Twilight agreed with a smile. “I’ll be busy anyway.”

Looking toward Philomena, I asked her with my eyes. She seemed to think about it, looking between me and Harmony, but agreed. Leaning down I kissed her beak and rubbed my cheek against hers, “You’re the best, Philomena. Why don’t you spend some time with Fluttershy and Lucy. Especially Lucy, considering what happened today.”

“Ok,” she replied rubbing her cheek against mine in return.

“So, what do you two say about a day to ourselves tomorrow?” I asked them. I was excited about it. Haven’t had the opportunity for it before other than that one trip to Canterlot with Rainbow. Even then I scooted her off onto the Wonderbolts, though I’m sure that won some brownie points with her though.

Next Chapter: Chapter Twenty Four: Rainbow’s Treasure Estimated time remaining: 9 Hours, 29 Minutes