I basically stayed in bed for the rest of the day. I found out a couple of things. The major news was that the closing ceremony was postponed due to yesterday’s event. And partly due to my recovery. Apparently, the whole empire wanted not only Spike this time, but also Philomena and I, to light the ending fireworks. I didn’t mind at all if they wanted to wait. But that wasn’t the only reason the closing ceremony was delayed. Part of the delay, I found out, was because Cadence had to basically reorganize her guard because of the number of ponies that left. The whole day I was resting, my mind ran through many questions. Just how many left? What about the families those ponies left behind? Would their families follow them to wherever it was they went? Where did they go? What were they planning? How would that affect the empire in the future? And many many others ran through my mind.

Cadence and Rarity both couldn’t use their magic for the next couple of days. Rarity took it harder than Cadence did because Cadence didn’t use hers much anyway. Which explained why she tapped out so soon. The good news was that I wasn’t alone during my day of recovery. Throughout the day the girls took turns in “taking care of me.” At first, I tried telling them that it wasn’t necessary because there wasn’t much for them to do, but they insisted anyway. After the visit, Fluttershy, Philomena, and Angelfeather insisted on staying. That was actually a good idea because I wanted some time with them anyway. So, we stayed in bed like we were and simply talked away until lunch. By the time night came around, my strength had recovered enough that I could walk around and do what was necessary just fine. Now that didn’t mean I was running and jumping around mind you. But I could get around just fine. I just couldn’t sleep because of the lack of activity. And I needed the sleep because of the games closing ceremony the next morning. That led to Aunt Luna coming into my room to put me to sleep.

^_^

The next day was the closing ceremony for the games. I was wearing my best suit and tie, Philomena was wearing her best dress, and Spike wore his best mustache. Even though the ceremony was today, the fireworks were first, for whatever reason, then the rest of the ceremony afterward.

Right now it was me, Philomena, and Spike heading toward the coliseum entrance on our way to the fireworks. The fireworks were situated in three rows that would be lit all at once with varied timing. Everything was set and the stands were filled with excited ponies waiting for the show to start.

“How are you and the crusaders doing this morning, Spike?” I asked, looking down at him as we approached the entrance to the field. “How are you holding up regarding this whole thing with Shining?”

Spike sighed softly with a slight shake of his head. “I don’t know, honestly. I’ve always looked up to him. He’s like a big brother to me as well. So, when all this happened… The fight with you, the ponynapping of Twilight and Fluttershy, and then him escaping with members of the guard… I just don’t know anymore.”

He was on the other side of me from Philomena, so I gently put a hand on his shoulder. “That’s understandable. In the span of just a few days, you’ve had your whole world practically destroyed. I’m sorry it happened. It was like that in the human world too. Brother against brother, sister against sister, and splitting families apart as the issue of slavery split the nation in two. I’ll do my best to help you and your family put itself back together again.”

“Thanks, Fred,” his smile was a grateful one as the crowd cheered for us when we walked onto the field.

Philomena had her arm in mine until we walked up to the fireworks and had to separate. It didn’t matter which of the rows we took because it didn’t matter. We waited for the signal to light them all at once. The crowd’s cheering still rung on our ears after we got the head nod from Miss Harshwhinny telling us to light up. Spike breathed on his fuse while Philomena and I used a hand to light ours. Then there was nothing more for us to do other than stand back, wait for the first ones to fire off, then go back to the stands. Or Spike to sit with the Crusaders with me joining my Mother up in the royal box. Spike gingerly walked away, almost holding his head high as the crowd died down to “ooh’s” and “aah’s” as the fireworks started. I, on the other hand, was taking my time getting up to the box. I still felt worn out, sore, and still couldn’t run or jump, so I took my time.

Like before, Rarity sat on one side of me with Angelfeather on the other side. Philomena went to stand with the rest of Ponyville’s teams by Fluttershy and the girls. All the participating teams sat in chairs around the field throughout the closing ceremony. And with Angelfeather and Rarity leaning against me, we watched the fireworks. It was something to take our minds off of everything that happened with Shining Armor. For us to let everything go and simply enjoy each other and the fireworks. Of course in this world, fireworks are part magic and part chemical. So, as the girls leaned against me, we enjoyed the fireworks. Letting our mind wander and simply enjoy the show.

It felt good to let my mind wander where it willed and to hold Angelfeather against me with my hand gently stroking her arm. Felt good to hold Rarity also as she wanted my hand to rub up and down her side. And when looking out over the audience showed me that we weren’t the only ones using the fireworks to escape from recent events. Right now, all everyone and everypony wanted was just a couple of hours of peace to enjoy a show.

So, that’s what we did for the next couple of hours. After the fireworks came the awards which took about thirty minutes with rounds of applause for all the winners. Had to grin when Rainbow’s relay team stood for their silver medal. She looked so proud of her team.

“Bet you that Pinkie is going to put on one big party for all of Ponyville once we return,” Rarity giggled, laying her head on my shoulder. There was also a wide smile on her face.

“No bet here,” I agreed, gently rubbing my head against hers. “I noticed that the Griffon teams did well also. Taking the gold in archery and a couple of the flying races.”

“Griffons have always been strong at flying and hunting,” Mother commented as the awards continued with rounds of applause.

“Remind me to meet them after the ceremony,” I whispered to Angelfeather, which she looked up at me with a thankful smile, and rubbing my cheek against hers.

After the awards, was one hour of the crystal ponies putting on a show for the crowd. Apparently, they wanted to tell the tale of how Spike helped save them from Sombra. With the help of Twilight and the girls. Personally, I thought it was a little one-sided, but I kept that thought to myself. It was a good show nonetheless. And everyone and everypony sat in silence and watched the show. It was after the ceremony was over, and after the fire was put out, that the general public was invited to come down and meet the teams.

I decided to indulge Angelfeather and talk to the griffon chicks first for multiple reasons. Rarity had split off from us to go check on the girls and I’m sure the uniforms as well. More than likely to see if they held up to the abuse. Meanwhile, Mother and Aunt Luna walked over to the teams in order to greet each one or most of them as they could. Cadence, on the other hoof, had some business to take care of regarding the closing of the games. And probably something regarding her guards as well.

“Well done and congratulations on your medals,” I greeted the three griffon chicks with a smile, immediately putting out my hand to shake theirs. What I thought was nipple and crotch covers were actually string bikinis. All three of them were wearing white string bikinis which barely covered the essentials. Two of them had reverse color schemes. One had dark gray wings, head, and neck with off white body and legs with the other being completely reversed. The other was typical dark brown wings, head, and neck with a light brown body. Their body build was all similar with small bodies similar to Rainbow that was built for speed. Each one bowed their heads in respect and shook my hand. Then bowed to Angelfeather.

“You did well,” Angelfeather congratulated happily while holding onto my arm. “You have done the griffon kingdom proud in the games.”

“Thank you, Princess Angelfeather,” the brown coated griffon greeted, “you honor us with your praise.” I noticed that this particular griffon chick acted like some of the Canterlot nobles. Always ready with a polite greeting, proper manners, and the like. The griffon with the dark gray wings and head looked more bored because her eyes were wandering and looking around. Almost as if she would like to be anywhere other than where she was. The last one, with the dark gray coat and with light gray wings, appeared to be the impatient type. It was painfully obvious with her squinted eyes looking between Angelfeather and I, her arms crossed over her chest, and her clawed foot lightly tapping on the ground. “As always, we only wish to-”

“Oh will you stop it with the pleasantries already, Ebonwing?” the dark gray coated griffon huffed and stepped forward, directly in front of me, looking up at me with a disapproving glare. “I just want to know if the rumors are true that you are marrying this...thing? This...human?”

“It is true,” Angelfeather responded with her voice holding more than just a little reproach in it, “I am going to marry Prince Fred.”

“Nighttail! Stand down!” the griffon called Ebonwing admonished Nighttail, but it didn’t work.

“No! I want to know why she would marry this human in the first place. What is he to her?” It was clear that Nighttail had issues with our marriage. When Ebonwing admonished her she turned to him with a withering impatient look during her short rant before turning those heated eyes back onto me again while addressing Angelfeather. “So, why him?”

“Stand down, Nighttail!” Angelfeather’s voice now sounded like Mother’s and Aunt Luna’s. A stern voice that demanded respect and authoritative consideration. And almost like a cat, I could literally feel Angelfeather’s...feathers...ruffle like the hair on a dog's back stands up when he’s growling. Not to mention how her wings started expanding like how Mother and Aunt Luna would do when speaking with authority. Only when Nighttail’s eyes met Angelfeather’s did Nighttail’s attitude cooled with her taking a step back. However, her need to know attitude persisted. “Certain members of the Equestrian Council don’t want human slavery to end. To that end, those members came to my father, with a large sum of money, for him to deliver me to Prince Fred. My father took the money and dropped me off with him. It was under the guise of an old treaty that if Princess Celestia ever had a foal, then that foal would marry some griffon in the king’s house. But the peace between us did not hinge upon this treaty condition. Now that Prince Fred is now known, my father took the bribe money and followed along with the council member’s sabotage.” She took a calming breath as I tried calming her down, which she looked up to me gratefully before continuing. “It was the hope that Prince Fred would refuse the marriage, so the members could then sabotage the effort to abolish human slavery. Thankfully, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Prince Fred already knew of this. And even at the risk of willfully falling into the trap that the council members set, he gave me the option of marrying him or returning home.”

All three of the griffons looked at me with varying degrees of surprise at the tale she was laying out for them. They looked between us in stunned silence as if their minds were trying to absorb the news.

“It pains me to see how my father has fallen into greed for money from the good father he was. Have you ever been sold for money and political expediency?” All three of them shook their heads while Nighttail was starting to look a little sheepish. “Unfortunately, I do. My father sold me for money and for political sabotage. Prince Fred, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and his friends have been nothing but supportive.” As she spoke she held her head high while looking at each of them in their eyes. “Between then and now I’ve been getting to know them. I do not find him wanting and will happily marry him.” Her eyes suddenly narrowed and her voice took on a firm tone. “And my father will not be welcome at our wedding. Whenever I visit my home, it won’t be around my father. And I know that Prince Fred will not act that way with our own chicks.” Her eyes met Nighttail’s specifically, “And you will not address him as human again, but by his proper name and title, Prince Fred. Am I understood, Nighttail?”

“Yes, Princess Angelfeather,” Nighttail responded with a respectful bow of her head. And even though the tone of her voice was definitely respectful to Angelfeather and I had no doubt that she would follow those orders, I had a feeling that she harbors some resentment about humans in general due to the tone in her voice.

Moved by Angelfeather’s words, I leaned down and kissed her cheek. She hummed happily before returning the gesture with a rub from her cheek.

“I can’t believe King Nereus did that!” Ebonwing responded with the same shock that the third griffon had on her face. “If my father did that to me I’d be angry as well. What about other griffons that want to come to the wedding?”

Angelfeather looked up to me first, so taking that as a hint, I told them, “I would welcome the griffons that would like to come. But we might, or might not limit the number depending on how large, or small, we want the wedding to be. We haven’t exactly talked about it just yet.” Right after saying that, a thought hit me. “If you don’t want to talk to your father,” said, looking down to Angelfeather, “then how would we notify the griffon general public?”

Nighttail beat Angelfeather to the punch as I heard her amused, and slightly annoyed voice. “We have newspapers, duh.” I felt a little sheepish for not thinking about that and took it in good stride. It even helped release some of the tension between me and the griffons that Nighttail started. From there the talk was amicable between us with Nighttail addressing me by my name and a title like Angelfeather wanted. After we left them I could tell that the news of Angelfeather’s father would spread far and wide once those griffons got back home. And once I thought about it, inviting all griffons to the wedding and prohibiting her own father to attend might be fitting punishment. As we walked away from the griffons I wondered if that just might bring him back to a sane mind again?

I led us toward the Wonderbolt team next. That was because since we would be spending most of the time with the Ponyville teams, it was best to meet and greet the other teams first. And as luck would have it, the Wonderbolt team was alone at the moment. Which was a little surprising to me actually considering their fame. Perhaps the Crystal Empire didn’t think of them as much as the rest of Equestria because of their one thousand year banishment?

“Captain Spitfire,” I greeted while walking up to them, “congratulations on you and your team on getting gold medals.”

She, and her team, bowed respectfully as we approached them. “Thank you, my Prince,” Spitfire greeted in return. And while she was grateful for the praise, she still hasn’t taken the stick out of her butt yet. Major Fleetfoot seemed to be the same. However, one look at Commander Soarin told me that he was as loose as ever.

“Commander?” He met my eyes after getting his attention. “Does the Captain and the Major ever relax?”

“Not that I’ve seen, sir,” he smirked at me, good humor written all over his face. “I’ve known them for years and they haven’t relaxed yet.” I thought there was the slightest of smirks that appeared on Spitfire’s face when Fleetfoot gave Soarin the elbow.

Before I could say anything else, Rainbow suddenly appeared beside me seemingly out of nowhere. Not only appearing on the other side from Angelfeather but saluting them as well. “Congratulations on you and your team, Captain.”

Spitfire saluted in return with the slightest of smirks, “Thank you, Rainbow Dash, and at ease before your sprain something.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of that statement. So, I brought it up to her. “At ease, Captain, before you sprain something,” said to her without missing a beat with my own grin plastered on my face. Major Fleetfoot looked amused, Spitfire had a resigned expression on her face as if she’d just been caught, and Commander Soarin was holding his sides in laughter. Rainbow, meanwhile, looked up at me in shock that I’d dare say that to the Captain of the Wonderbolts.

Spitfire let out a soft sigh, looking up at me with a small smile. “Alright, I get the point, sir.”

“Finally!” I said with a roll of my eyes then put my arm around Rainbow pulling her against me. She didn’t resist either.

“Spits actually relaxed,” Soarin exaggerated what he said, wide shocked eyes and all. Then he pretended to take out a notebook or something similar. “I’ve got to write that down later on my calendar.

Spitfire sighed and without looking over asked, “Major?” Without missing a beat Fleetfoot reached back and smacked the back of Soarin’s head. “Thank you.”

“So, Captain, are you and your team going to take a few days off? Or is it right back to training and practice?” I wondered while running my hand up and down Rainbow’s side. Rainbow’s athletic body was a pleasure to touch and her coat was surprisingly soft. Almost odd actually. Soarin, it seems, was particularly interested in the answer to my question because he was looking over at Spitfire rather intently.

I don’t know if Spitfire knew that Soarin was so interested in the answer or not, but she sure knew after answering it. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a few days off.”

“Yes!” Soarin threw up a hand as if in triumph. “I’ve got time to stop by Ponyville and grab a few pies. My little brother and I love them.”

“No!” Fleetfoot spoke up for the first time with a drawn-out fake shocked look on her face that had us all chuckling. “Really? We couldn’t tell.”

I was pretty much out of the rest of the conversation as Rainbow took over talking with them. Suited me fine. I didn’t mind simply basking in the pleasant friendly atmosphere for a while. Especially after recent events. But there were other teams that I wanted to talk to, so after politely excusing myself I left Rainbow with the Wonderbolts. Going from team to team, I offered my praises for either medals or a job well done. Angelfeather stuck with me through it all feeling like it was her duty, like mine, to offer praises to each team. Didn’t want to seem like we were playing favorites in spite of going to the griffon team first. In between teams, I had a chance to ask her why the griffons were almost not wearing anything. She was amused at the question but answered it anyway. She was amused at me because griffons normally don’t like wearing clothes in her country. And the only reason that she does is not only because of her position but also because she’s in Equestria. The griffons chose to wear what they did because of the games. In the Equestrian general public, they wouldn’t wear anything at all. That seemed odd to me, so I made a mental note to ask about it later.

^_^

I noticed that Cadence wasn’t with us as the whole group made our way back inside the castle. Philomena was with Angelfeather and I walking beside my mother when I asked her about the griffon dress code here in Equestria.

Mother was also amused at my question. “What brought this on?” she asked through a giggle and an amused smile.

“I’d figure that the griffon team would be wearing more,” I answered as we started walking into the castle itself. “And Angelfeather said that the griffon kingdom is basically a nudist colony for the most part. Which brings up the question of why griffons don’t have to wear clothes here?”

“That’s a long story,” Mother began explaining, “and it goes back to when we first discovered the griffon kingdom. Back then ponies in Equestria weren’t wearing much clothing either. So, finding naked griffons wasn’t surprising or off-putting. Over time, ponies started wearing more and more clothes, but we didn’t feel like it was our place to make the griffons do the same.”

I wasn’t even paying attention to where we were going and just followed Mother down the hallway while Angelfeather and Philomena hung onto my arms. “So, Equestrian nudity laws don’t apply to them?”

“What nudity laws?” I almost stopped walking because Mother’s question was such a shock to me it stunned me into silence. Mother giggled at how shocked I was regarding her question. “My dear sunshine boy, there are no laws regarding nudity. If one wants to walk around naked as the day they were born, they can. It’s just that modern-day society prefers to wear clothes and in positions of authority, one is expected to wear clothes. At the start of human slavery, they didn’t wear anything. At the time, most ponies didn’t think that they deserved it. But as time progressed even the most stout of owners put something on them if they went into public at least. Now, most owners will clothe them if they are on their property or not.”

“And after human slavery is outlawed?” I asked dire curiosity was running through my mind. Not to mention the lewd thoughts and possibilities that were now running through my head. And possibly pranks where I shock ponies by showing up naked.

“Oh, I don’t plan on making any nudity laws in the future for anypony. Mostly because society is regulating that already.” Not sure where we were headed while we talked, but we had just turned a corner and into a hallway that I didn’t recognize.

“That actually explains some things.” My comment echoed a little in the crystal hallway. The girls were still walking in front of us with Twilight leading, so I only hope that she knew where she was going. “Like how Beth and I were naked in those cages. And how nopony thought it odd or looked down on us when Philomena wasn’t wearing anything after she first was transformed. And why Vinyl doesn’t wear anything under her clothes.”

“You know this?” I looked down at Philomena and she had a jealous look on her face. You know the one. Squinting eyes and tight lips told me that she didn’t exactly approve of what I just said.

“Oh...well...she wasn’t exactly hiding anything when Harmony, Rainbow, and I visited her after Fluttershy’s fundraiser disaster.” I tried to answer as confidently as possible, but my voice still came out a little nervous. I also noticed that Philomena was squeezing my arm tighter as well. Angelfeather took it in good stride with a little giggle. More than likely at Philomena’s antics. I left out the part where she sat in my lap pretending I was a recliner. She didn’t need to know that little detail. Luckily for me, we had reached a room with the girls already walking in. That had halted whatever Philomena had wanted to say because the curiosity of why we were there ran through her mind as well as ours. After we walked into the room, it took me only a second to realize that this was Cadence’s bedroom.

A large four-post bed with a privacy curtain was up against the wall to my right. It looked like the wood was made out of their version of purpleheart wood. Though it looked to be stained close to pink. The whole bed was shades of pink from the pillow and covers to the privacy curtain. Matter of fact her whole room was shaded with light blue and pink. More than likely due to her cutie mark. The carpet that covered the floor was a very nice, and very soft, light blue. The rest of the furniture was also made from purpleheart wood and stained light pink. Because the room was so large, being larger than the rooms at Canterlot, all of us could comfortably fit inside. Cadence was sitting at a writing table that was situated against the far wall underneath an open window that was letting in the afternoon air. Twilight had pulled up a chair and sat next to her. The rest of the girls were sitting at a large round table that was in the corner near the bed. Her dresser and standalone closet, both of which looked like they came out of an old silent movie, were on the left wall across from the bed. And the bathroom archway was between the bed and the outside wall. Right now, Cadence was leaning back in her chair with her head tilted back with a worried Twilight looking on completed the picture.

Mother and Aunt Luna immediately went over to see Cadence while Angelfeather, Philomena, and I walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down to wait. Mother and Aunt Luna both put a hand on her shoulders looking down at her. There was a sense of foreboding in the air as we waited for her to speak. It was only a few minutes after everypony was in the room when she did.

“I got a couple of notes here. One from my new captain and one from Shining Armor.” Her voice held a sadness in it that I never want to experience. It sounded sorrowful and tired. She didn’t even look at us as she spoke. Just slumped back into the chair looking sad and defeated. “The one from my new captain says that even though a scout has found where Shining Armor and his followers are, they are also well fortified. Capturing them is out of the question without a small war taking place that would cost many lives of both pony and human.” My heart sank when I heard those words. And by the looks of it, the others felt the same way. “However, the one from Shining Armor may make that war inevitable. Basically, he says that if human slavery is abolished then he will lead his followers into the city...” She paused, turned her chair around, and looked at us individually. “And murder all humans present and any pony that stands in their way.”

AJ let out a very soft, “Tarnation!” The others remained in shocked silence as we all looked at her with equally shocked faces. Twilight had a resigned helpless look on her face as if she had just given up on trying to understand her brother.

“It seems that Shining Armor has let his hatred rule his life.” Aunt Luna said with understanding in her voice and a sigh from her lips. “Unfortunately, I know all too well what that is like. I lost myself to my own hatred against my sister long ago. I fear that Shining Armor is experiencing his own.”

“So, he’s turned into his version of Nightmare Moon?” Twilight asked, her voice showing us how she still cares for her brother. Plus the curiosity of what she was saying.

“Basically, yes.”

“Should we really have to worry about him since he hasn’t any magic anymore?”

“Rainbow,” I spoke up looking at her with worry of my own, “even though he doesn’t have access to magic anymore, he’s still dangerous. He still commands a small army and can still use weapons because he has hands.” I held up my own hands to illustrate. “But he’s still a threat due to his influence above all else.”

“Indeed,” Aunt Luna echoed my thoughts. “And in the while? Is he going to do anything?”

“That I don’t know, Aunty,” Cadence muttered softly, looking up at her with so much uncertainty and loss in her eyes. “I don’t know anything regarding his short, or long term, plans. I just hope that he’ll leave us alone.”

“Is there any hope for my brother?”

Aunt Luna yawned before answering. “Sorry. As long as he lives, there is always hope. Thanks to you and your friends, Twilight Sparkle, I was able to be rescued from my own hatred. Let’s hope that he can be rescued from his.”

“I hope so too,” Twilight echoed Aunt Luna’s thoughts with hope of her own. “I hate seeing my brother like this.”

“I as well, Twilight,” Mother said after a soft sigh and downcast eyes looking at Twilight. “I remember his smiles and hard work during his training. Never once did I witness anything hostile toward humans. Whether it be in public or any of my staff.”

“Nor I,” Aunt Luna mentioned before letting out another yawn. “If you all would excuse me, I’m going for a nap before we board the train this afternoon.” After we bid her a good sleep, she turned and left to take a nap in one of the adjacent rooms.

“I too was surprised by Shining Armor’s actions.” Rarity shook her head as she sat, lady-like of course, in her chair, but with her head down with sad-looking eyes. “I always thought of him as an honorable stallion. And just. It’s sad that he’s given into his hate as he has. But there is always hope.” Now, she looked up and over at me with a wide smile. “If Fred can show me how wrong I was, then maybe someone or somepony can do the same for him.”

“I agree, Rarity. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll accept any help from me.”

“You’re, unfortunately, right, my sunshine boy.”

^_^

After everything was said, Cadence said that she wanted to be alone with Twilight and Twilight’s parents for a little bit. So, we left after wishing her well and giving her a much-needed hug. After leaving, I still felt a little responsible even knowing that it wasn’t my fault at all. Our hearts went out to her, but other than giving her comfort there wasn’t anything we could do at the moment. And there was anger toward Shining Armor once you got past the shock at what he’s done and the sadness about yet another family destroyed on account of hatred. That was the case for all of us. It showed on our faces. It showed in how we carried ourselves. It showed in how we greeted Twilight Velvet and Night Light as we passed in the hallway.

With the somber mood in the atmosphere around us, some of the girls dismissed themselves to go work in order to get their minds off of it all for a while. Rarity went to go check on the Ponyville team uniforms now that the games were over. AJ and Rainbow dismissed themselves to possibly help with any equipment that needed to be moved to the train and back to Ponyville. Which meant that it was just Mother, Angelfeather, Philomena, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and I together trying our best to relax in the garden until it was time to leave for the train in a few hours.

Philomena wanted Fluttershy to sit next to me on the bench by the fountain in the center of the garden. And Fluttershy was happy to be sitting next to me with my arm around her with her leaning against me. Her head was on my shoulder and her eyes were closed with a happy smile on her face. And with one of my hands on her baby bump, she had her hand resting on mine and looking quite content.

Mother, Pinkie, and Philomena were walking around the garden talking. Angelfeather was sitting on the other side of me looking thoughtful when I looked over to her. Wondering what had her thoughts in a whirl, I leaned over and with an amused smile I whispered, “Don’t think too hard.”

It took her a second, after she looked up at me a little confused, before realizing what I meant. And with a smile of her own and a slight shake of her head, she explained, “I was just wondering what our chick will look like.”

While I was looking down at her with a blushing smile on my face not knowing what to say about that. Fluttershy knew exactly what to say. “Oh, that’s a wonderful thought. I can’t wait to see what our foal will look like. I’ve told the doctors that I don’t want to know anything until he or she is born. I want to be surprised.” She turned her head, leaned up, and pulled my head down for a soft lingering kiss. “I’m happy that I’m having your foal, Fred. I love you.”

While my hand rubbed her baby bump, I softly said to her, “I love you too, Fluttershy.”

Right before hearing a light giggle, Angelfeather turned my head to her. After rubbing her cheek against mine, I hear these words in my ear, “I want that, too. I want a chick with you, Fred. I want that deep loving relationship with you. I want to hear the happy giggles of our chick, or chicks, in my ears. Because now I know that you won’t be like my father.”

“I’ll try my very best not to,” was the only thing that came to my mind.

“I know you will.”

“I can’t wait to spoil my grandchildren,” I heard Mother’s voice as she, Philomena, and Pinkie walked up. Her arms wrapped around my neck with her head resting on mine with her voice sounding so happy she could start crying any second. “Never in my life have I expected that my sunshine boy would return. Much less experience the joy of being a grandmother. I can’t be any happier.”

“And I’ll be there to help babysit,” Pinkie bounced on her hooves clapping her hands together.

“Speaking of babysitting,” Mother interjected, curiosity in her voice, “after the marriage, how often do you want to return to Griffonstone?”

Angelfeather put her head on my shoulder again with a contemplative sigh of frustration. “Even though I still love my father, I can’t trust him anymore. Nor can I trust him with my future chicks. I still love Griffonstone and I’d like for Fred to see it someday. But my home is here now with Fred. Wherever he is.”

Her words touched my heart and while smiling down to her, a thought hit me. “Even though I technically don’t have a place of my own?” I was teasing a little making me smirk down at her.

“Oh my sunshine boy,” Mother kissed my head, “you don’t need a place of your own. You can always stay home and raise your children in Canterlot. You’ll never have to worry about money or where to stay.”

“I know that, Mother,” I gratefully smiled up at her. “However, a child needs a stable environment. And while I know I’ll get that with you in Canterlot, I also have a responsibility in Ponyville with Fluttershy. And I’d rather not have to travel between Canterlot and Ponyville to raise them.” Looking down at Fluttershy, I gently rubbed my cheek against her head. “And Fluttershy will never be able to make a life for herself in Canterlot. It would be best for her to stay in Ponyville and raise our child there.”

“Oh that’s true,” Fluttershy said softly, still with her eyes closed and resting against me. “I think that, yes, it would be best to raise our foal at my cottage. He or she would be surrounded by peaceful nature and friendly animals.”

“Fred can make his home here then and Celestia, Luna, and Cadence can visit anytime,” Pinkie giggled happily.

Mother turned to Pinkie and I heard Mother’s happy voice. “You know Pinkie Pie, that’s actually a really good idea. I’ll just build you a nice house in Ponyville with lots of bedrooms.” She laughed teasingly like a mother does when expecting lots of grandkids. The other girls knew what she meant by it and the hope that was left unsaid that didn’t need to be said. But because Pinkie being Pinkie, she leaned down close to me with her voice soft and alluring.

“I wouldn’t mind adding to the family.”

I don’t mind being teased like this. Truth be told, there’s a part of me that actually enjoys it. My mind was going over the pressure of performance. If you know what I mean. And with what Pinkie said running through my head, my inner ass hole decided to come out and play. So, I turned to look up at Pinkie and with a mischievous smirk on my face, I asked, “Like...right now?” The others knew that I was kidding. And Pinkie knew it too, but she decided to one-up me.

With a giggle, she skipped around the bench with, “Well maybe not right this instant. It may take us a few minutes.” Then she turned herself around, sat down on my lap while leaning back to wrap her arms around my head with her head on my chest. When she giggled and wiggled in my lap it was enough to get us to laugh some and take our mind off of recent events for a bit.

^_^

Hours later it was time for us to leave and all of us were saying goodbye to Cadence and Twilight’s parents. Everything was already loaded onto the train, including all equipment and baggage, so we just needed to say goodbye. I wanted to be one of the last ones to say goodbye. Right now the others were already on board leaving Twilight and I saying goodbye to Twilight’s parents and to Cadence.

“Don’t worry, honey.” Velvet was saying to Twilight as they hugged together. “We’ll be ok, so don’t worry about us. We still love your brother.”

Night Light and I shook hands together. His eyes held such sadness, sorrow, and regret in them it almost hurt to look into them. But as we shook hands, there was also hope in there as well. “Thank you for looking out for Twilight, Fred.”

“You’re welcome, always. She’s rather important to me.” I tried reassuring him with a wide smile that I didn’t really feel myself. Because after I said that, I lost that smile. “I’d say everything will be alright, but...” I ended that with a shrug.

“I understand,” he acknowledged with a nod and a sad smile. “Right now, just watch over Twilight. What Shining did hit her rather hard.”

“I will,” I told him as Twilight and Velvet finally separated. However, Twilight didn’t say anything. She just stepped back, nodding slightly with a little sniffle. That’s when Velvet turned Twilight toward me and gently pushed her into my arms.

“Yes, do watch over Twilight,” Velvet said to me, her voice filled with motherly concern. Which also filled her eyes as they gazed over at me as I held onto Twilight with my arms around her. Twilight didn’t resist, but instead gently laid her head on my chest.

“Of course,” I told her, my eyes searching hers as my hands rubbed Twilight’s back. The dress she wore was made for traveling. A single piece light blue dress that felt good to rub. The soft fabric was just like her coat. Soft and almost fragile. Probably just how Twilight felt right now. Her parents parted to let Cadence step forward to give us both a hug. I felt like it should be the other way around. With me hugging her. At least I could put one arm around her. “Remember,” I said to all of them, “there’s always hope.”

“You’re right,” Cadence leaned back giving me a small smile, “there’s always hope.”

I pulled her head down touching her forehead to mine. “If you ever need me, I’m just a train trip away.”

“Thanks, Fred.” With one last hug, Cadence pulled back and that was the cue for Twilight and I to board. After we walked onto the train, I waited for Twilight as she took one last look back. Then the doors closed after a long train whistle that sounded more like hearts breaking as it shrieked through the air.

^_^

The train trip back was mostly quiet. Mostly because Aunt Luna was asleep on one of the bench seats. So, not much was said. All through the trip, the girls took turns sitting with me. While I mostly was lost in thought watching the world go by out the window. And even in spite of the sad atmosphere, Mother and the rest of the girls were in the other cars talking to the other Ponyville teams. They told me that the rest of the Ponyville teams were in high spirits in spite of everything.

In a couple of hours, we reached Canterlot where Mother and Aunt Luna said so long to us. And to tell us to cheer up and never lose hope. Then it was off to Ponyville. During the trip over I was thinking about what to do. How to cheer up Twilight at least a little. Although nothing would make Twilight happier than seeing her brother let go of his hate. But sadly there wasn’t anything I could do about that. But I did have an idea that just might cheer her up. But it would also take Fluttershy, Philomena, and Angelfeather to do it.

And she would need to lose the clothes.

^_^

“Ok! Now that we’re back home, put up all the uniforms and equipment, settled back in after the games, and now on our way over to Fluttershy’s, can you please tell me what’s going on?” Twilight was a little agitated that I’ve been keeping the reason for the visit a secret. A grin spread across my face as we walked out of town heading toward Fluttershy’s cottage in the distance. She huffed in frustration as she walked beside me. “Fine don’t tell me.” Yeah even knowing that it was to cheer her up she kept up the pouting all the way up to the cottage. When her eyes fell upon what was outside the cottage, she stopped dead in her tracks. And gasped at what was in front of her. “Wow! Before we left for the Crystal Empire she told us that she was working on something. But she didn’t say what.”

Putting a hand on her back, I ushered her forward. “Yeah, she told me that it’s not quite done yet. She wanted to brighten up the whole area starting with colorful flowers on the fence. And around the bridge over the stream. The idea is going to be like a small paradise. Or sanctuary. All ponies and animals have to obey the rules. And basically, it means being nice to each other.”

“Ok, I get it,” Twilight nodded with a wide smile. The cottage faced the stream and the bridge that was about thirty or so yards away. The rolling fields around the cottage and stream were filled with beautiful, and colorful, flowers. The fence, which was now raised high for privacy, was covered in vines and flowers. It had the effect of hiding anyone and anypony from view. And it encompassed the cottage front and back. There was a gate near the front that faced toward the town that we were walking toward. “But why bring me here?”

“We all kind of needed it,” I told her as we approached the vine and flower-covered gate, “especially you.”

Twilight sighed heavily while clutching onto my arm. “I’m still trying to come to grips with what happened,” she said as we stopped at the door. Then looked up at me, curiosity on her face. “So, you think that just being here will help me?”

“Yep. And there’s another rule that everybody and everypony must follow within the fence at least.” With that, I opened up the fence door and pushed it open.

“And what’s that?” she asked while I got behind her and started gently pushing her inside.

“No clothes aloud,” I laughed heartily while gently pushing her inside.

She seemed to hesitate just a little, pushing back some at me even when going through the door. “Wait! What? No clothes? Why?” As the door clicked shut behind us, she stopped in her tracks again at the beauty of the interior. “Whoa!”

“It’s a work in progress,” Fluttershy’s voice came from our left. As Twilight looked over, I took the back zipper of her dress in two fingers and in one long motion unzipped it.

I also glanced over to see Fluttershy, Angelfeather, and Philomena walk out of the cottage all three naked. Liking what my eyes were seeing. All three were walking over to us with Fluttershy holding her baby bump happily with her eyes glowing with pride and joy. A gentle breeze blew through making the flowers wave as if waving to us in greeting. The breeze gently played with their hair as if wanting to play with it.

“I think it looks beautiful,” she told Fluttershy and obviously ignored me pulling down her dress from her shoulders. “What’s left to do?”

“A fountain in the center with benches on either side,” Fluttershy approached and stopped in front of Twilight. While Angelfeather and Philomena helped me undress Twilight by pulling her arms out of her dress letting it fall to the ground. After the dress fell I focused on unclasping her bra. “And a couple of soft flowering places to lay on.” Again, both Angelfeather and Philomena brought the bra straps off her shoulders and taking her arms out of them letting her bra also drop to the ground. “I did put a large soft blanket on the ground for us to rest on. So why don’t you join us?” She finished with a wide disarming and beautiful smile.

“Well...” Twilight said with hesitation, but when Angelfeather and Philomena lowered Twilight’s panties down she stepped out of them anyway. “Okay. I guess I will.”

Now that Twilight was naked, Fluttershy looked over at me with a glowing smile. Swelled with our foal, she never looked more beautiful. “Now it’s Fred’s turn. Undress him.” Even Twilight helped Angelfeather and Philomena to undress me. And when they were done, Fluttershy took one of my hands and took one of Twilight’s. And with a beautiful smile, she started pulling us to the large plush blanket that covered the flowers. “Come and lay with us.”

We followed her toward the blanket where she laid down. Then motioned me to lay my head on her breasts. After she laid down, so did I and laid down perpendicular to her. That way I could turn my head to look at her face or turn the other way and look at her baby bump and our foal. Twilight laid down on top of me with Angelfeather on one side of me and Philomena on the other side both laying against me.

“Now, isn’t this much better?” Fluttershy asked. Her voice sounded soft, motherly, and completely content. “Feeling the soft breeze against our naked bodies? To be and feel one with nature and each other?”

Twilight was blushing but there was also a smile on her face. Angelfeather and Philomena were simply smiling all around. “I certainly enjoy it,” a chuckle escaped me then I turned my head, leaned over, and gently kissed Fluttershy’s neck.

That got Twilight smirking at me, amusement in her voice that reached her eyes. “You got four females laying naked with you. Naturally, you’re going to enjoy it.” Then her voice, and eyes softened before leaning in giving me a soft lingering kiss. Then soft said, “Then again I’ll have to admit to liking this. It feels so peaceful here. And so right.”

“It’s really beautiful here, Fluttershy. And I am excited about getting to know the ponies and people here in Ponyville. It seems like a nice place to raise children.”

“It is, Angelfeather,” Twilight told her, turning her head toward her. “Although the ponies and even some people are, at least, partly crazy, it really is a nice beautiful small town. Even if the ponies and people here are all crazy.” Fluttershy started giggling at that first before we all joined in.

“That’s what Twilight said about us when she first got here years ago,” Fluttershy had one hand on my head, rubbing it gently, with the other on her baby bump, also rubbing gently. I was in heaven right now. My head on Fluttershy’s breasts, her hand on my head, and with the others laying with me this really was my definition of paradise. “But this really is a wonderful town in spite of the troubles that seem to crop up every now and then.” Meanwhile, I had one hand on Philomena’s back and the other on Angelfeather’s.

“Then I look forward to living here with my future family.”

“I as well, Angelfeather,” Philomena smiled at her then looked down at me. “And our family will be here also.”

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