Rainbow walked in along with Miss Harshwhinny a bit later. The only ones that weren’t in the room were Aunt Luna as she was sleeping, Cadence because she was off getting divorced, and Twilight. And Spike went to be with the Crusaders. Because Twilight didn’t show up, I had guessed that she wanted to be alone to think. Not that I blamed her any. Harshwhinny was in a typical white button-down blouse with a knee-length flared black skirt as she walked in. Rainbow walked in behind her wearing her usual blue sports bra and shorts. I’d swear Rainbow would go around naked if she could.

“Princess Celestia,” Harshwhinny bowed her head respectfully to my mother, “after speaking to Princess Cadence she has requested that the games be postponed until tomorrow.”

“Very well, thank you, Miss Harshwhinny,” Mother said in response from her place behind the chair I was sitting in. Fluttershy was now curled up in my lap with my arms around her with her head resting on my chest. Since Mother and I came back to the room, Fluttershy hasn’t left my lap since she wanted to be there. Heck, I don’t mind. But she was really shaken up by what happened.

After telling us the news, Harshwhinny gave us all a nod then turned and left the room.

Rainbow walked up to the chair we were in and knelt down with her hands on the armrest. “How are you doing, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy lifted her head off my chest giving her a small smile. “I’m alright, Rainbow,” she said softly in her usual tone of voice. “I just want to be close to Fred for a little while.”

Rainbow winked up at me with a girlish chuckle before grinning at Fluttershy, “Can’t blame you for that.” It was good to hear Fluttershy giggle at that.

“Did Cadence say anything else, Miss Dash?”

Rainbow stood up to face her, “Yes, princess. She said for us to stay here that she’ll be here soon.”

“After she has Shining Armor sign the divorce papers probably.”

“More than likely that is the case Miss Harmony,” Mother agreed nodding to Harmony as she sat on the edge of the bed next to Philomena, Rarity, and Angelfeather. “So, we wait.”

^_^

Cadence came shambling in a little bit later. The neat look of her one-piece sleeveless pink dress was in stark contrast to the ragged look of her hair that matched the look on her face. That look had us waiting for what she would say. However, she didn’t say anything immediately. She simply walked in the door, spotted me, walked over to my chair, and climbed up onto the armrest to lean against me. Her arms wrapped around my neck with her head resting gently on her arms. Fluttershy, seeing what Cadence was going to do, moved slightly to the side to make room and resting her head on my shoulder. Now with one arm free, I let go of Fluttershy to now hold Cadence as well.

I was a little surprised that my arm was around Cadence right now. Also surprised that she sought me out right after supposedly finalizing her divorce. Which obviously had a tremendous impact on her. She was crying as I held her, tears falling from her eyes while she hugged me close.

Mother leaned down to whisper, “I’m sorry Cadence.”

Fluttershy reached out and put an arm, and a wing, over Cadence.

“I’m sorry too,” Cadence said through tears, snuggling more comfortably. “He signed it. He actually signed it. I’m single again.”

“We’re all here for you, darling,” Rarity said from her place at the edge of the bed.

“I know and thank you,” she said without even looking up. “There will be an announcement in an hour to the public. For now, I just want to stay like this for a bit.” Fluttershy smiled at her understanding why.

“And Twilight?” Pinkie asked gently as she sat by Rarity.

Cadence sniffed a couple of times before taking a calming breath saying, “She’s taking some time to herself in our garden.” I rubbed her back, being careful of her wings, as she snuggled to get more comfortable.

“Understandable,” AJ commented from her chair by the bed. “Her own brother ponynapped her and was going to brainwash her. She’s bound to be more than just upset, not to mention confused.”

I looked over at Pinkie as she sat on the other side of Rarity on the bed. Pinkie also looked more sad than I’ve ever seen her. She likes to make others happy, but right now she knows that a party, which she usually uses, isn’t going to help right now. This means she’s probably feeling a little helpless at the moment. She wasn’t the only one though as I took a glance at the others. Each one held a look of sadness and helplessness that both my mother and I could identify with. Right now there was nothing that could be done other than simply comforting those you care about. So, that’s just what we did until it was time for the announcement.

^_^

The time came for the announcement. Cadence wore the same single-piece light pink dress for that which she’s been wearing. She didn’t bother with showering or cleaning up, just went from my arm and lap to the balcony overlooking the small empire. Velvet, Night Light, and Twilight met us there where each one had similar looks like the rest of the girls. Of course, dear Fluttershy hasn’t left my side since the incident. With Fluttershy clinging to my arm on one side, Philomena was on the other. The rest of the girls were behind us all dressed formal casual, as I was. Cadence was in front of us and was immediately greeted by Velvet, Night Light, and Twilight as we got close to the balcony. It was one big group hug as they softly cried and greeted one another. We all looked on together with heavy hearts to what she was about to say.

I could hear the crowd softly murmuring their questions and what-ifs all the way up to the balcony. Soon all their questions would be answered. Or will be answered after they all let go of each other. But I get it though. Cadence’s sorrow at her divorce runs deep because she’s supposed to be the “Princess of Love.” And the Princess of Love is getting a divorce. That has to cut deep. And it showed in her eyes as she let go of them and stepped up to the stone railing of the balcony.

As the crowd hushed, she used her magic to amplify her voice. And with Twilight on one side and Twilight’s parents on the other side of her with the rest of us behind her, she addressed the crowd.

Her voice wasn’t entirely steady either and neither was she. “Thank you for coming because there’s something that everypony, and everyone, needs to know. Shining Armor has been hiding his hatred for humans for a very long time. Ever since Fred has come to this world he’s been trying to build a case, as it were, against him. This is what led him to his actions two days ago. We found out about his hatred during that investigation.” The crowd started murmuring softly as she took a breath to steady herself for what she was about to say. “Shining Armor’s hatred for humans was something I told him wouldn’t be tolerated. Divorce was something I was pondering in case he didn’t change his ways. Just this morning, he, along with a couple of guards, ponynapped both his sister Twilight and the pregnant Fluttershy.” The crowd was in shock as she continued. “His goal was to brainwash his own sister into hating humans. To convince her to break all ties with Fred. For Fluttershy, he was going to murder her unborn foal. Because that foal is part human and part pony. Fred and I rescued them both from a secret room underneath the Captain’s Office.”

She took a couple of beats to steady herself for this was the most difficult part. “Something like that will not be tolerated as long as I’m princess. So, just an hour ago the divorce between Shining Armor and I was finalized. He is no longer my husband and no longer captain of the guard. He is now, and for a very long time, be in the dungeon answering for his crime.”

The crowd below was near-silent in sheer disbelief at what she had just said. But even my ears picked up the questions if she was telling the truth.

Twilight was next to speak. And her voice also shook as she and Cadence held each other. “What Cadence said was true. My own brother ponynapped me into a small room as was going to...re-educate...me about humans, especially Fred. He was going to murder Fluttershy’s foal, which would have also killed Fluttershy. Fred had every right to protect Fluttershy and their child. He had every...right...to...kill my brother to protect us. But he didn’t.” Her voice took on a thankful tone. “He was generous in sparing my brother’s life at my request.”

Velvet spoke this time. Cadence more than likely amplified Velvet’s voice. “I’m grateful for Fred sparing my son’s life. I hope that in time, my son can find it in his heart to let go of his hatred that inspired his acts of cruelty.”

Night Light held Velvet against him and spoke while she cried softly in his arms. “I never thought that my son would do anything like this. Ponynap his own sister and attempt murder. When he became captain of the guard and married Cadence I was the happiest father alive. Today is the worst. You think you know your own child. You think that you instilled the best morals into him as he grew up. Now my only thoughts on where I went wrong.”

Cadence finished the announcement by saying, “This is the reason why I have canceled the games for today. I cannot attend because I need time alone with Twilight, her parents, and my friends. Thank you for your attention.”

Without another word, she, Twilight, and Twilight’s parents turned around and followed us back inside. However, Twilight stayed behind beside me as the rest of the group followed Cadence and her parents back inside. Sensing that she wanted to talk I stayed behind as well with Fluttershy and Philomena still by my side.

“I did a lot of thinking,” Twilight said, her voice clearly showing the mixed emotions she was feeling. “I meant what I said. I understand that you had every right to kill my brother, but I’m happy you didn’t.”

“He’s still your brother,” I said gently, understanding.

She nodded, “Yes. I tried putting myself in Fluttershy’s hooves. If I was pregnant and he attacked me...”

She didn’t finish it, but I got what she was trying to say, so I finished with, “If you would go so far as killing your own brother in order to save your own child?”

“Yes,” her voice was so soft we almost didn’t hear it. Both Fluttershy and Philomena stepped up and hugged her from both sides to comfort her. She didn’t have to say anything else as I stepped up, gently putting my hands on her cheeks, and gently put my forehead against hers. She was analyzing herself in the most primal way that cut deep into her heart. It wasn’t easy for her and it showed. While we hugged and comforted her she started to shake just a little. “I don’t know...if...if I could do it.”

“It’s understandable, Twilight,” I said gently and softly while she sniffed, stepped closer, and put her arms around me resting her head on my chest. Fluttershy and Philomena still hugged her from either side as she cried softly. “And even though I meant what I said. I will also say that I hope I never have to.”

“Thank y-you,” Twilight whispered into my chest.

After a couple of minutes, I was curious as to what she wanted to do. So, I asked, “What would you like to do now? Be with Cadence and your folks?”

After a minute of thinking, she shook her head. That’s when Fluttershy whispered to her, “Then come and be with us for a while.”

Twilight did. The four of us made our way to my guest room. But on the way there we saw Rainbow and Pinkie hanging out in the hallway near my room. As the girls went inside, I stopped to talk with them.

“I feel so helpless. I don’t know what to do.” Pinkie had a look of helplessness with a face to match. Both of them did. And it was obvious that Rainbow felt the same due to the look on her face.

“I know, Pinkie,” my voice was soft and gentle as I pulled Pinkie into a hug. She rested her head on my chest with my arms wrapping around her, rubbing her back. I held out one arm toward Rainbow knowing that she wanted to join but sometimes was too prideful to do so. However, I was rewarded with her joining in after she took a look around making sure her image would still be intact. “There’s more than one way to help someone cheer up. Parties may be the best way, but sometimes all it takes is a hug. Or simply being there with them in silent support. Holding them and just letting them know they aren’t alone. Like right now Twilight is going to join Fluttershy, Philomena, and I in bed, and all we’re going to do is just hold each other.”

“Can we join you then?” It was Rainbow that asked, to my surprise. “I hate feeling helpless.”

“I know you do, Rainbow,” said then leaned over giving her a kiss on her forehead. “And as far as I know, yes, you can join us.” I led them inside the room, shutting the door behind me. Fluttershy was already naked as was Philomena. And both of them were encouraging Twilight to do the same. I didn’t waste time undressing and it only took a few seconds for Pinkie to do the same. Rainbow did start to get undressed after seeing Twilight doing so.

I was the first in bed followed by Fluttershy and Philomena on either side of me. Both of them curled up against me with their heads on my chest with one leg on me from both of them.

“How are we going to-”

Pinkie interrupted Twilight by putting her arm around Twilight’s shoulders, “Silly, there’s plenty of room.” Rainbow followed behind as Pinkie encouraged Twilight to lay on top of me. Then Pinkie got on the bed and laid down resting her head on the pillow next to mine then curling herself around my shoulder and arm to rest gently against Fluttershy’s back. Which pinned my arm gloriously between Pinkie’s wonderful breasts and Fluttershy’s back. Rainbow did the same after seeing how Pinkie got on. Rainbow’s smaller breasts also pressed against my other arm. Then to top it off, Twilight used her magic to cover us all with the blanket.

“And that’s how you fit five mares in the same bed with Fred,” Pinkie giggled a little at the unexpected rhyme.

“I like being like this,” Fluttershy commented softly while she gently scratched the side of my chest.

“I’m surprised that the bed was big enough for all of us,” Twilight said softly with her arms around my neck and her head on my chest. There was a soft rustle of the blanket as Fluttershy put her arm and a wing over Twilight. Then Philomena did the same. “But I like this too,” she said with a small smile, looking at Fluttershy first then the others.

For a few minutes, there was nothing but silence and the feel of our bodies against each other. Until Rainbow spoke up. “If you tell anypony else this, I’ll deny it, but I like this too.”

Another minute of silence. Twilight’s eyes were closed, as were the others, as she spoke up softly, “Must be because we are a herd species.”

“And we are in a herd,” Fluttershy’s soft voice sounded happy, even lightly kissing my chest before humming softly. About a minute, or so, later, Fluttershy let out a startled “oh” then giggled happily. “The foal kicked,” every eye was on her as she rolled back against Pinkie, so every one of us could see after Twilight raised the blanket. Fluttershy looked up at me with a happy tear falling from an eye, “Our foal kicked.” She reached back, grabbed my hand, and gently put it against her baby bump. A couple of seconds later, I felt our foal kick against my hand. Then Pinkie’s hand joined. Then Twilight’s. Happy smiles were on our faces for the first time since the incident. Fluttershy’s joyous eyes met mine and nothing needed to be said when she leaned up and kissed me with a happy contentful hum. “I love you, Fred,” she said with joy and happiness in her eyes as they looked up into mine, “and thank you for saving my life.”

I smiled while feeling our foal kick against my hand again. “Anytime, my dear Fluttershy, anytime.”

It definitely was an “awww” moment as she repositioned herself against me again.

“I want child with you, Fred,” we all heard from Philomena unexpectedly. It might have been unexpected, but not unwelcome. When my eyes locked onto hers, I saw want and a need in them. I had a feeling that she’s been thinking about it for a while. My thoughts were confirmed at what Fluttershy said next.

“I’m happy you finally told him, Philomena. Having a foal is such a wonderful thing.”

Twilight’s eyes were closed again, but she hummed in thought. “Do you know when you’ll be in heat, Philomena?”

“Soon,” Philomena’s smile was wide as her eyes were locked onto mine, “a few months.”

“Being a mother isn’t for me just yet,” Rainbow mumbled as her head rested near mine on the pillow. Her eyes were closed but obviously, she wasn’t asleep. “I want to have my career as a Wonderbolt first.”

“Oh we know, Rainbow,” Pinkie giggled, sounding a little happier now. “I really enjoy taking care of the twins for the Cakes. They’re just so cute.”

“Well, Pinkie, you can look after my foal anytime,” Fluttershy turned her head smiling at Pinkie. Pinkie cooed hugging Fluttershy and rubbed her hand next to mine on Fluttershy’s baby bump.

There wasn’t much talk after that for a while as we all held each other enjoying each other’s presence and closeness. Even when the door opened no one really moved. Except for me in order to see who was coming in. It was Cadence. “Twilight? How are yo-” She walked in, saw us, and then stopped dead in her tracks staring at us with a mixture of amusement, happiness for Twilight, and even a little urge to join in. She walked up to the bed, leaned on it with one hand, and looked down at us with an amused smirk. “I was going to ask how you are doing, Twilight. But from what I see, it looks like you are feeling better.”

“It helps Cadence,” Twilight’s smile was small as she looked up to her old foalsitter. “And you and my parents?”

Cadence sat down on the edge of the bed on Pinkie’s side with a sigh. There was sadness in that sigh and in her eyes. “It will take a while for them, and me, to come to terms with everything. I’m the Princess of Love.” She looked down at the bed as if scrying for some deep meaning. “It was supposed to be the perfect marriage. And now the Princess of Love has just gotten a divorce.”

“Cadence, please tell me that you don’t believe that you shouldn’t be the Princess of Love anymore because of your divorce.” It should be obvious to her how annoyed I sounded if she truly believed that. After one look from her, I had to groan and shake my head. And would have facepalmed myself if I had both hands free, which I didn’t. “Cadence! No one, or nopony, is perfect and neither are you. He’s the one that hid a dark part of himself from you. And just because you didn’t notice what he was hiding doesn’t mean that you’re a failure at love.”

Cadence seemed to think it over as silence filled the room But Twilight had something to say. “He’s right, Cadence. You know how surprised I was. How shocked I was when he ponynapped me and what he was going to do to Fluttershy and their foal. You’re not the only one that feels like she failed. Not to mention how shocked our parents were and you can imagine how much of a failure they feel right now.”

Leaning up, I gently kissed Twilight in support.

“My head knows you’re right,” Cadence looked down at me with a small smile. “But my heart feels differently. I had such high hopes for us.” Then put her hand gently on Fluttershy’s baby bump, even giggled a little when the foal kicked. “A foal and family.” Taking her hand away, she sighed almost in defeat. “Now all that could be gone. My hopes for a foal of my own. Not to mention that I’m not confident about giving love advice anymore.”

There was a pause where no one knew what to say. Pinkie didn’t say anything, she just sat up in the bed and wrapped her arms around Cadence in a hug.

“Not going to throw a party, Pinkie?” Cadence asked between sniffs as she held her.

Pinkie shook her head with a small smile. “I’ve learned that a party isn’t the only way to make ponies, or people, smile. Sometimes a party hurts more than it helps.”

That’s when, for whatever reason, Cadence let the flood gates loose and buried her face against Pinkie. Tears of pain flowed from her eyes while holding onto Pinkie as if for dear life. Her body shook with the sobs of a future is gone. Cadence wasn’t the only one either.

Twilight started tearing up as well snuggling her head deeper into my neck as she was held by Fluttershy, Philomena, and I. With nothing else to do but gently rub my head against Twilight’s, my mind wrangled over what happened. And how the same thing happened in the past back in the human world. What would she do now? How would Shining’s actions affect the empire? How many of the guards were on his side? If he had enough supporters what would he do next if he got out with their support? The possibilities of what could happen was a little frightening. And was everything I’d hoped to try and stop.

The rest of the day was uneventful, though still filled with tears of loss and pain. Some of the questions that roamed through my mind throughout the day would be answered the next day.

^_^

(Next day)

We were all hoping that today’s games would lift everypony’s mood. Especially because today was the aerial relay that Rainbow, Snowflake, and Harmony were racing in. And because Rarity had already made the uniforms they fit perfectly, looked good, and performed well. Needless to say, Rarity was looking forward to the race for many reasons. As the games were about to start, Mother, Aunt Luna, Cadence, Rarity, Angelfeather and I had just sat down in the Royal box. The others were down below on the sidelines as they’ve been for the previous two game days. It was a beautiful day for the games with only a couple of larger clouds in the sky. The sun shined brightly with a calm cool breeze blowing through the stadium. Mother and Aunt Luna had hopeful looks on their faces that today’s games would lift our spirits. I could tell that Cadence was simply putting on a brave face. She was the princess after all and had to put on a brave face for the public’s benefit.

Down below, my eyes spotted Rainbow doing her best to give her team a pep talk. I could hear Snowflakes “Yeah’s” from here as he tried to do the same. I noticed Twilight putting on a brave face as well, clapping her hands, and trying to cheer her friends on.

The atmosphere was hopeful.

Both Rarity and Angelfeather were wearing more conservative dresses today. Nothing as provocative as last time. They were still sleeveless and didn’t have the slits up the sides. But the dresses still looked beautiful on both of them and I mentioned as such when I saw them. Both form-fitting to show off their curves. I had my arm around both of them as we waited for the games to start.

“I do hope that the games today cheers everypony up,” Rarity’s voice sounded soft and somber as she leaned against me from our place in the second row.

“The girls below seem to be doing just that,” Luna commented as the first teams of the aerial relay walked up to the start position on the field. It wasn’t rainbow’s team’s turn just yet.

“In a way, I can understand how you feel, Princess Cadence,” Angelfeather said softly, her voice low and somber. “You lost your husband to hate and I lost my father to money. And even though we can’t control others around us and even though we get hurt by others, we can also lean on those that truly love and care for us.”

“Thank you, Angelfeather,” Cadence turned her head looking back with a small thankful smile.

A soft pop was heard signaling the start of the first aerial race between the Wonderbolts, the Griffon team, and another team from Manehattan I think. All the racers took off with it initially being neck and neck between the griffon and Captain Spitfire.

A smile spread across my face when noticing Rainbow down below. “Changing subjects,” I announced to them, “Rainbow looks more than excited.”

Rainbow cheered for the Wonderbolts after Spitfire handed off the baton to Blaze with the Griffon on her tail. The other team was pretty much out of the running.

Rarity giggled when she spotted Rainbow. “Yes, our Rainbow does love competition doesn’t she?”

“Today’s events seemed to ‘cheer up’ the crowd as well,” Luna mentioned as the crowd cheered the teams on. Some even waving flags in the stand for their favorite teams.

A few minutes later it the Wonderbolts won that round and I smirked watching Spitfire walk up to Rainbow with a proud, and slightly smug, expression. I could almost hear the conversation. Spitfire was probably saying something like, “Can your team beat that?” Naturally, Rainbow would meet that challenge with something like, “With me on their team we can.”

Now I was getting excited because Rainbow’s team was up. “There’s Snowflake at the starting line. Now let’s see how well they do.”

“Careful, my sunshine boy,” my mother teased with a wink and a smirk to match, “your biased is showing.”

I stuck out my tongue to her playfully as the race started with a pop from a magical flare. Rainbow’s team was up against the local team of the Crystal Empire.

And for the first time in the past couple of days Cadence smirked a little at my mother. “Well, auntie, our local relay team is no slouch. They could give the Wonderbolts and Rainbow’s team a run for their bits.”

I would have been on the edge of my seat if my arms weren’t around Rarity and Angelfeather. Snowflake did a pretty good job going through the hoops with his larger body. Then came back around handing off the baton to Harmony. She had some catching up to do as the Crystal Empire pegasus was about half a lap ahead. And surprisingly, she was catching up.

“Wow, go Harmony. She’s doing well for herself,” I cheered softly.

“Rainbow appears to have trained her well,” Rarity added.

The last crystal pony took off as Harmony flew up about three seconds later. After handing off the baton to Rainbow, she took off like lightning. It only took her about three seconds to go around the whole course. And by the time she got back to the start slash finish line, her rainbow trail was only a quarter of the way around the course. The crystal pony was dumbstruck as she flew around the course. Heck, I was dumbstruck at the sight. Rainbow had the biggest smile on her face as she stood there panting a little.

“I knew she was fast, but that was something to see,” I chuckled happily at the sight of Snowflake and Harmony congratulating Rainbow as Rainbow, in turn, did the same to them. After the crystal pony finished she came over to talk with Rainbow as did her team. Along with the Wonderbolts as well. It did my heart good to see the comradery on the field between the teams. Especially seeing Rainbow acknowledging the benefit of teamwork in competitions.

“Indeed,” Luna agreed.

“Now it’s between the Wonderbolts and Rainbow’s team,” Mother’s voice held excitement in it for the race ahead. Heck, I was figuratively on the edge of my seat for the race. Both Rarity and Angelfeather were leaning up against me while I held them in excitement. That excitement spread to the crowd as Rainbow’s team and the Wonderbolt’s lined up at the start-finish line.

The cheering from the crowd increased as Spitfire and Snowflake took their places. One pop later and the two were off. Snowflake was the slowest of the three of them, so it was no surprise that as Spitfire approached the star finish line poor Snowflake was only a third of the way. As Harmony waited patiently, Rainbow was on the sideline stretching. She knew, as I did, that she would have to fly faster than she’d ever done if there was any hope to beat the Wonderbolts. Poor Harmony was sweating bullets trying to reach Rainbow before the third relay Wonderbolt finished. She handed off the baton to Rainbow as the third Wonderbolt was three-quarters of the way around the track. Once again, Rainbow took off leaving her rainbow trail behind her. Rainbow and the Wonderbolt met at the finish line close enough that it came down to a photo finish.

As the teams, and the crowd, waited for the results, Snowflake, Harmony, and the Wonderbolts gathered around the sweating and panting Rainbow Dash. As Spitfire gave her water to the still panting and sweating Rainbow, I could tell that Rainbow was in high spirits. More than likely she felt that this was something that she could do to help cheer everypony, and everyone, up. She, and the others, were all smiling and talking while the referee walked up to Miss Harshwhinny to announce the results.

“After review,” Harshwhinny said through amplified voice as the crowd quietened down, “the winner of the aerial relay is the Wonderbolts flying for Cloudsdale taking the gold and Ponyville taking silver. The Crystal Empire taking the bronze. Up next is the archery.”

For the time being everypony relaxed as the field was changed and set up for archery.

“Now that was an exciting race,” I commented rather happily also noting that Rarity and Angelfeather leaning against me with smiles on their faces.

“Indeed,” Luna agreed after a yawn. “My apologies. Rainbow and his team appear equally excited about their performance.”

“I’m happy that everypony, and so far everyone, is getting along,” Mother said with a pleasing voice. “I’m especially happy to see the griffons getting along with the other teams. Now that my son is marrying you Angelfeather. I would have liked to see them get along anyway...”

Angelfeather giggled lightly at Mother’s possible flub then shook her head. “I know what you mean Princess Celestia.”

“Please, as I have said just call me Tia. You’re part of the family...or will be.”

Leaning over, I mentioned softly to Angelfeather, “I’ll make it a point to talk with the griffons afterward.”

Angelfeather rubbed her cheek against mine as Philomena does with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Fred.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that the field was almost ready for the archers. “Out of curiosity,” my voice was quiet, almost a whisper, “why are the female griffons wearing skimpy outfits? Those outfits would be barely legal in the human world, so how is it they get away with it here? I mean they’re barely nipple and crotch covers.”

“I was curious about that myself,” Cadence teased with a wink my way. “Not that any male within this stadium would mind. It is legal, but just barely.”

Angelfeather blushed and giggled nervously while looking at me, blushing some. “It’s their strategy actually. Bring all females and dress as little as possible to distract any males that are competing against them. This team is well known for that.”

“Huh.” My mind rolled that around while straightening up and looking off into the distance. “That actually reminds me of a conversation that I had with the human Rainbow Dash. She mentioned that the reason human cheerleaders originally started wearing short skirts and skimpy tops at football games was for the same reason.”

Rarity’s snort was very horse-like as she huffed and I felt the waves of jealousy rolling off of her. “I may not want you to greet them after all,” she squeezed my arm, leaning against me a little more.

“Careful Rarity your fangs are showing,” Cadence teased again, happy that the games were cheering her up some.

“Don’t worry, Rarity,” Angelfeather leaned forward addressing her, “they won’t do anything directly with me there.”

A sharp whistle came from the field getting our attention. The archers were lined up, each archer with their own target. Ten in all they were standing side by side only a few feet apart. As the archers got ready for their first shot, my ears picked up Rarity’s barely heard annoyed, “Directly.”

Another tweet from the whistle signaled for the archers to start, so each one picked up an arrow. The crowd was relatively quiet while the game referees started recording the scores.

However, while that was going on, something else caught my eye. During the games, there were always four guards at each corner of the stadium for security. So, up until now, I’ve basically ignored them. One of them appeared to be a little nervous. This crystal guard’s feet were shifting from one to another and his head appeared to look from side to side a little too often. So, I watched him for a bit as the sound of the archers' bowstrings and arrows hitting the target reached my ears. Another thing that was odd was when he looked up after a few minutes. Curiously, I looked up as well but didn’t see anything other than one large cloud hovering above the stadium. Odd. I don’t think I’ve seen a cloud that big before.

“What’s that guard doing?” Angelfeather’s question brought me out of my thoughts. My eyes immediately scanning the field. What I saw was the same guard that looked nervous was also the one that was now flying toward the guard that was closest to the archers.

“Don’t know,” Cadence’s spoke up, looking down curiously. “Some kind of emergency maybe?”

While we were looking on with dire curiosity. The guard closest to the archers noticed the one heading for him. A second later his horn lit up letting off some type of flare that flew toward the center of the field before exploding in a shower of sparks. Then before we could even react the unicorn guard and the other two sent up a magic beam toward the cloud.

“What the devil?” letting go of Angelfeather and Rarity I stood up to watch the pegasus guard tackle the one that sent off the flare. As they struggled the other two guards fled toward the nearest exit.

“What’s going on?” Cadence nearly shouted the question as she stood then the rest of us.

“I don’t know, Cadence but that cloud is turning to a single piece of solid ice.” Mother pointed toward it while almost shouting because the crowd started to panic.

Over the growing panic of the crowd, I heard Spike yelling out, “Everypony MOVE.” He was being carried in Twilight’s magic while Twilight herself. It took a second for me to catch up to what Spike had in mind.

When it did I sprung into action. “Rarity, Mother, Aunt Luna, Cadence,” I had to almost shout as well just so they could hear me over the screaming of the crowd, “we have to try and hold it up while Spike tries to melt it.” I watched Philomena shoot up into the sky a second later following Twilight and Spike. “And Philomena.” My magic followed theirs as we five strained to keep the building-sized block of ice from crashing into the stadium and possibly killing a lot of ponies. As we held it up, Spike blew fire against it as powerful as he could while Philomena ignited her own fire to help.

While Rarity, Cadence, and I started sweating with the strain of holding up such a large heavy object, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. The pegasus guard and Rainbow were battling the unicorn guard that set off the flare. With the rest of the girls joining in, except Fluttershy thankfully. Meanwhile, the ice building was slowly melting as we held it up while a small battle raged on below.

“We have to hold it,” Cadence encouraged us through the strain on our magic. “There are still ponies in the stands and on the field.”

She was right. I took my eyes off of the ice long enough to look down to the field. And met Fluttershy’s. She was terrified. And even though the ice was melting, and rained down upon the field, I could tell that we wouldn’t melt it fast enough. It was still falling too fast for us to completely melt it. There would still be a huge chunk left that would cause tremendous damage...and death.

“It’s not melting fast enough, sister,” my ears heard Aunt Luna’s voice. And it sounded afraid.

“Your highnesses?” A single guard ran up and saluted. “Shining Armor and a group of guards are escaping as we speak.”

“Do what you can to try to stop them and capture them. Go!” Cadence shouted.

My eyes were still locked on Fluttershy’s scared face as the guard ran off with his orders. Fear gripped my heart as I looked back up to the ice block. A second after that came a determination that only a father can feel when his family is threatened. “Stand back!” I shouted at them then looked at the ice with a steel resolve.

“What you going to do nephew?”

“ITTOU SHURA!” Like a couple of days before, my body was surrounded by fire and magic. They all backed away as heat and air swirled around me. All while I closed my eyes and willed everything that I had into it. I’ll only get one shot. So, I’ll give it all my power. After taking a few calming breaths, my eyes snapped open and sent my fire toward the huge ice block as quickly and as hot as I could manage. For as long as I could. A large stream of fire flowed along my magic's path toward the ice. I didn’t even look at what was happening down below and just concentrated on pushing everything I had into melting that monster. A second later the ice was surrounded by fire. And quickly started melting the ice.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rarity’s horn dissipate her magic and practically collapsed on the bench behind me. Fluttershy’s terrified face kept flashing in my mind making me push that much harder. And ignored the frightened screams of the ponies left in the stands. I wasn’t pushing this hard for them. It was for Fluttershy and the girls. My family.

“I’m sorry, but I’m spent.” I heard Cadence’s voice then felt more weight against my magic and fire as she collapsed on the bench. The ice had been reduced to half but was only about fifty feet from the ground. Which meant it was just my mother, Aunt Luna, and I left.

“Angelfeather? Can you go down and try to get the girls out of there in case we fail?” I asked her without looking at her. Already starting to get woozy and light-headed from the effort, I couldn’t afford to or my concentration might be blown.

“Yes.” Angelfeather took off toward the stadium floor.

“Son, you're using too much!”

It was stupid of me not to think of that in the first place. And it could cost me. This piece of ice was already costing me. Even though it had shrunk down considerably, I couldn’t take the chance that one of the girls could get hurt. When my magic and fire began to fluctuate and fade, I doubled down on it. Forcing it back up again even when the effects of me pushing this hard were already being felt. My legs were already shaking, my vision was now almost a blur as fatigue set in. But most of all, my nose started bleeding.

“I’m sorry your highness,” my ears barely picked up the apologetic report of the guard, “but Shining Armor and a company of guards got away.”

That just made my blood boil. But that was a thought for another time. Right now I was fading fast because I had doubled down on my fire and magic instead of letting it go.

“Nephew, you have to stop!”

But I couldn’t.

“Fred!” Philomena’s voice was suddenly right beside me. Then I felt her claws gently resting on my arm. “Fluttershy and others are safe.” I didn’t stop but did quickly look around. Rarity and Cadence were still sitting down. Mother and Aunt Luna were still working on the ice that was now about the size of my room at Canterlot. I only stopped when spotting the girls standing nearby on the bench seats. Then with a very happy smile, I lowered my arms and let go of my magic and fire. However, there was no chance for me to talk to them because the strain was too much for me. Using that much of my ability and magic pushed my body beyond its limits. My legs were shaking enough that my knees were almost knocking together. I was barely standing as the world was quickly fading away.

“Luna! Help me encase what’s left in a field.” My ears barely heard my mother’s voice as the world started going dark. I was passing out. Philomena quickly grabbed me to hold me up and after my eyes shut I felt somepony else hold me up on the other side of me. “The field will keep the fire going and melt the rest of it.” My mother’s voice faded away as I let fatigue take me.

^_^

I wondered how long I was out of it as the world started coming back to me. Even though consciousness was mine again, my body still felt heavy with fatigue. My limbs felt like my body did, like a big lead weight. At least I was warm. I was laying on a bed and wasn’t alone, that much my senses were telling me as each one slowly awakened again. There were at least one of the girls with me that much I could tell. As my body woke back up from the deep slumber, I started checking everything. Nothing hurt. I was simply just tired.

After opening my eyes, I took a quick look around. It was one of the guest rooms in the Crystal Castle. There was a window open to my right with what appeared to be the morning light shining through it. Was I out the rest of the day and all night? Turning my head the other way showed me that Fluttershy was laying with me. But so far she was the only one with me in bed and in the room. She was naked and so was I. Feeling her soft fur coat so warm against my skin was heavenly. My arm was trapped between her breasts, the short hairs of her fur tickling my skin. I did have the strength to lift my free arm over to gently run my hand through her hair. Yes, it was all worth it. But... Somewhere in my exhausted fogged mind was wondering who undressed me and put me in bed. But it didn’t really matter at the moment. I was tired sure but fully awake now. And while looking over at Fluttershy and seeing how peacefully she was sleeping had me thinking that I would definitely do it again. And because she was resting against me with her arms around my left one, I felt our baby kick again. Rotating my hand, it was a joy to feel our baby kick against the palm of my hand. It made everything worth it. While my palm rubbed against Fluttershy’s baby bump, my eyes rested upon her sleeping form. Definitely a beautiful sight and definitely worth it. Leaning my head over, my lips gently brushed against her forehead. I continued to watch her sleep even as she began to stir a few minutes later.

She yawned first. With her tongue sticking out she looked so cute doing so. Then after a good stretch, she reached out with one arm laying it across my chest with her eyes fluttering open. She was still half asleep when her eyes met mine. I smiled down at her, rubbing my hand against her baby bump. The baby kicked again at the same time she realized that I was awake. It was a little funny seeing her eyes light up not only because she saw that I was awake, but because the baby kicked at the same time. “Oh!” Her eyes widened now suddenly awake with an “O” on her face. She giggled placing her hand on mine, “Fred!” “Oh!” she giggled again as the baby kicked again against our hands. “I think our foal is happy that daddy is awake,” her eyes took on that bedroom quality to it. Then she leaned up giving me a slow kiss that spoke of joy and happiness, “And so am I.”

“I am too,” I told her with a happy tired sigh as she rested her head on the pillow next to mine. “How is everypony?”

“Everypony is fine. Just worried about you. How do you feel?” she asked with some worry showing in her eyes.

“Just tired is all,” I gave her a reassuring smile as she lightly rubbed her hand over mine.

“You used too much of your magic,” Fluttershy started explaining, “so your mother had to give you a lot so you wouldn’t slip into some sort of magic-induced coma. Philomena had to do a little healing...” She paused as if trying to think of the right words. “And I think it was because you used so much magic that it started...eating...you?”

“Ah. I think that’s when as your magical reserves are depleted the only other recourse is for the magic to use my body’s natural fuel to compensate,” I tried explaining to her, but one look from her told me that it went right over her head. Stood to reason considering I barely understood it myself. “Or something like that. How long was I out?”

“It’s next morning,” she told me.

“Oh, thought so.”

She hummed contently while gently scratching my neck and looking up at me with those beautiful eyes of hers. “I’m so happy you are alright.”

She could always bring a smile out of me. “I am too. I also know that because I overdid it so much that there’s going to be a number of mares that will chew me out for it. Including my mother, Aunt Luna, and Philomena at the very least.”

She nodded her head slowly against my chest. “At least.”

“That’s ok,” I grinned to her, “because you girls are totally worth every effort.”

That’s when the door opened and a nurse walked in. She was a crystal unicorn with a light pink coat and bright blue hair and tail. Her hair was done up in a ponytail and wore nurse’s smocks. At first, she didn’t see us as being awake because her head was down and only looked up when she was practically standing beside the bed. “Oh! Good morning, glad you are awake,” her smile was pleasant as was her demeanor. She wasn’t able to see our naked bodies because the bed sheet was covering us. “How are you feeling?”

“Just tired,” I told her before motioning my head to Fluttershy, “she told me what happened and how long I was out.”

“Oh good. That means I don’t have to catch you up then.” She lifted a clipboard in her hand with a pen in the other. A human pen that is. Curious. I didn’t think they had spread that far yet. “Any aches or pains?” I shook my head. “Lightheaded?” Again, shook my head. “Just tired?” Gave her a nod. “Alrighty then, I’ll let the others know.” And with that, she bid me a good morning and left the room.

I waited for a beat before looking at Fluttershy with a comically exaggerated worried look. “I think we’re about to have visitors. Shouldn’t we get dressed?” Now knowing Fluttershy the way I did, I fully expected her to say yes. However, she surprised me.

She hummed in thought before shaking her head, looking up at me with a mischievous grin on her face. “Nah.” She giggled at my reaction and the look on my face. So, what could I do, but shrug and snuggle with her until they showed up?

Which wasn’t long. A short time later, the girls showed up. But not just them but everypony else. My mother, Aunt Luna, Cadence, Twilight, and the rest of the girls, Angelfeather, Philomena, and Harmony. Immediately after walking in Philomena and Angelfeather spoke up first.

“I got Fred’s side,” Philomena partly flew and partly ran to the other side of the bed and immediately started to strip down.

Angelfeather laughed then immediately claimed, “I claim the head of the bed.” And her clothes flew off while she fluttered above the bed. Then at the same time, Philomena raised the covers and snuggled up against my other side. Angelfeather laid down over the pillows, grabbed my head, and placed it on her naked breasts. Then she sighed contently, wrapping her arms around my neck.

I had a strong desire to turn my head and start suckling on a nipple.

But I didn’t.

However, their antics did lift the mood in the room as everypony else was either chuckling or giggling as they walked in and took a seat somewhere. The rest of the girls let my mother and Aunt Luna sit at the foot of the bed. I could already tell how the conversation would go simply by the looks on their faces. But my mother’s hand was resting gently on my leg, rubbing gently. The rest of the girls either took one of the chairs or sat on the edges of the bed.

“Mother, I already know what you’re going to say,” my mother didn’t say anything as I spoke to her, just kept rubbing my leg. “I shouldn’t have overexerted myself and by doing so I put myself in danger. And my answer to that is the girls were in danger from being squished by a giant piece of ice. And it needed to be melted quicker than it was. So, if I had a choice, given the same circumstances, I’d do the same again. All you girls are worth it.” My eyes scanned the room quickly to get their reactions. Rarity was smiling at me with an “aww” look to her. Cadence had a similar look. As did Harmony, AJ, Pinkie, and even Twilight. Mother and Aunt Luna looked as if they understood it but still didn’t like it. My eyes locked onto my mother again and she was going to say something, but I interrupted her quietly with a smirk on my face. “And I’m too old to be grounded.” I heard a few snickers and giggles.

Mother crossed her arms over her chest and even gave me a small smirk of her own. “You are correct, my sunshine boy. And I was going to say that even though I wish I could ground you for overexerting yourself...I’m also proud of you.”

“Indeed, nephew,” Luna agreed with a firm nod in my direction. “It was your actions that were the turning point in melting the ice into a manageable size.” She smiled down at me, “It’s gone now.”

“That’s great. And now that the crisis is over, I have but one question.”

“And that is, darling?” Rarity asked from her place on the edge of the bed by Fluttershy.

“Who undressed me and laid me in bed?” I scanned their faces for their reaction, watching to see which of them looked more embarrassed.

Rainbow waved her hand from her place on the other side of the bed. “That would be me, AJ, Pinkie, Harmony, Fluttershy, and a nurse.”

“It didn’t take all of you to do that,” was my retort as I eyed Rainbow curiously.

“Silly Freddy,” Pinkie giggled at the look on my face, “it took at least two of us to help the nurse lift and roll you while another two undressed you. Then we each got a hand at giving you a sponge bath.”

“Now don’t tell us that you are embarrassed by it,” Harmony teased with a wink.

“Embarrassed, no. However, there is still one thing that I didn’t like about it.” I pretended to pout while keeping my face as serious as possible.

“What didn’t you like?” Fluttershy’s sweet face came into view as I turned to look at her. She looked slightly concerned, but I put that at ease with a slight wink.

“Because I was unconscious, there wasn’t any time for me to enjoy it.” I said it as comically as I could, looking at each of them with my tongue out. Rainbow, AJ, Harmony, and Angelfeather burst into laughter with the others giggling.

Through all that I heard AJ say, “Yep, he’s fine,” then proceeded to laugh again.

Next Chapter: Chapter Thirty Four: The Equestria Games Part 5 Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 30 Minutes