It had been such a long night that ended much earlier for so many. For Luna, she lay under the sheets, her hooves crisscrossed with Big Mac’s over Kelly laying between them.

The sun would be rising soon, and Big Mac's circadian rhythm broke him from his sleep.

"Shh," Luna hushed the nearly conscious stallion. "The day is upon us."

Pulling her hoof free, Luna turned and slid away from the bed, motioning for Big Mac to join her as she simultaneously unset the alarm on her clock.

On the patio attached to her room, she raised her eyes to the sky, waiting for her stallion’s company.

"Last night was most enjoyable, was it not?"

Big Mac took his place at Luna’s side, taking the sight of the moon into view.

"Eyup."

Luna huffed a quiet laugh at the simple answer she was quickly becoming used to receiving.

"Don't sound too enthusiastic, now. You might wake Kelly."

That was a bad habit Big Mac still needed to break, and he looked away with a blush and embarrassed grin that practically glowed in the approaching sunlight.

"Sorry 'bout that. Jus' still trying tuh figure it all out and be honest with it all."

There was a lot to take in, nearly enough that Luna was grateful her hold on the moon came to her with such ease, despite being so tired and fighting off the maelstrom of thoughts. Even while running through so many confusing ideas and scenarios, her lowering of the moon was akin to muscle memory at this point.

Then again, dealing with Kelly and the humans might as well have been any other ponies attempt to lower the moon in comparison. It certainly felt that way at this point, but Luna was still too focused on her current issues to be dealt with.

"And what are your honest thoughts?"

Big Mac turned a glance to Luna, eyeing him pleasantly enough. His first thought was of the advice Sniff had given him.

"Last night was something special, Princess. But I think we'd be fool'en ourselves if we said we were sharing feelings fer each other as we do fer Kelly."

There was a sad smile Luna turned her face down with. Her hopes for finding common ground were met, but sadly they were with her same mentally as well.

"It is wise we do not rush this, and I admit that I have my concerns. While I did enjoy our moments together, I believe you were right about our mutual interests are in Kelly more than each other. And, sadly, it is not as if we can’t fully enjoy each other as we do with her."

Flustered with a mix of emotions she wasn’t expecting, she turned away. With Kelly still asleep and who knows which guards were where at this point, she had to keep her voice low.

"I enjoyed… watching you with her. Her watching me with you." She shuttered excitedly to the point her tail snapped against her. "I only regret that we could not enjoy our time together the same as you with Kelly."

She shivered again, thinking of the sights she was so close to that night they just finished sharing.

"I… wish I could have been in Kelly’s position. Being with her fills a part of me that I never thought possible… but I am in no position to mother a foal."

In that very instant, Big Mac realized what Luna was wanting and the realization effectively sabotaged his already limited vocabulary.

"Oh… b-b-b-buhhhh"

Luna should have expected as much, but it couldn't be helped, no matter how funny it was.

"I know… it is…"

Try as she might, the humor left as quickly as it came. There was something uniquely wrong with their relationship, and the punchline felt more like a slap in the face.

"It's fine."

While not clearly presented, Big Mac could tell one of them said the wrong thing. Either she shouldn't have pointed out the obvious, or he should apologize.

“Seems like I’m let’en down all the mares in my life.”

Self-depreciation wasn’t exactly an apology, nor was it sexy on Luna’s big red stud. She’d have to make amends as best she could in the short time they had.

"Join me inside, please."

Wordlessly, Big Mac followed Luna, who softly closed the door behind them, then took him into Kelly’s attached room. The door between them and Kelly closed, finally giving the pair a moment of privacy.

"Perhaps there was a time our stars aligned and the Ferris Wheel of Fate gave us our first chance to make something of our time together. Though, to have only one day at a festival to find each other when so much simply wasn't as we needed it to be? What was fate to expect of us?"

Having left Big Mac speechless, Luna stepped closer, wrapping a foreleg and her wings around his neck. However, it was clearly done more out of platonic affection rather than the usual lust they’d previously shared.

"We are both here for Kelly. It was by chance our paths crossed again. So, as long as we have her, we have as much time as we need to see if our paths are truly bound together, or if we're simply meant to share yet another night together."

Big Mac gulped. If he didn't know any better, he'd swear Luna was offering him casual sex… or… He wasn't sure what this was anymore.

But if she was being honest, then at least he knew they were on the same page and hugged her back.

"Have Kelly drop by and see me on the farm if you'll get the time. I got lots tuh catch up and probably another day tuh recover. But you and I need to find some more time fer each other."

That seemed promising enough, encouraging Luna to release her stallion so he could busy himself with the chores of an apple farmer.

"I'll be sure to do so. Now, you have some work to do, and I am ready for sleep."

Becky emerged from her shower and began to towel off. Today she would have to put in a little more to offset her look.

Thinking about her appearance, she started to grasp what a strange life she was living. Trapped in the world of Equestria, running low on medication, actually hoping for a cure after all these years, wondering what future dangers lay ahead of her and her friends...

As she thought about her friends, she couldn’t avoid their new attachments. All of them had wasted little to no time finding a pony or two… or six, to hook up with. All the jokes that had been made seemed to be on her now. The only single member of The Stranded Seven.

Taking in these thoughts, she cleared away the steam on her mirror and took a good look at herself.

“Jesus… have I always been this fucking thin?”

Without a doubt, Becky was the lightest of the seven, and at only five-foot-six, she was only two inches taller than Chris. However, it didn't change the fact that she was the smallest, weakest, and most frail out of the bunch. Not exactly something worth bragging about.

She turned to the side for a profile view of herself, puffing out her chest and pushing out her hips and ass a bit.

“Welp.” She slumped down, not very satisfied with her private peacocking. “At least small tits are the norm out here. Even my A-cups a mouthful more than what the locals are used to, so I can’t bitch at that...I think?”

She looked past her bare breasts to see one thing that was a reverse of what the mares had.

“Still can’t believe I got a bigger bush than even the ponies do.”

With only one last remaining attribute, she turned her back to the mirror and gave a firm slap on her ass. There wasn’t much of a jiggle, but it wasn’t like slapping a slab of concrete either.

“Must be my ass that Doc was into… Who doesn’t like a cute butt?”

Neither satisfied nor distraught over her findings, Becky faced the mirror again, looking over her more common features. Though there were other regrets on her mind.

“I’m pretty enough I could have had any of them. Well… I'm still not even sure I'd want it. Now I can't even get Kelly for a weekend if I wanted her again. Even Justin and Benny got a line of ponies ahead of me."

Memories of all their interactions ran through her mind. Most of them focused around Cerb.

"I can't even blame them, after how hard we pushed Fluttershy and Rarity on him. But I can't take them away from him. They're the reason he's actually doing better. And Cadance is going to make sure he won't have to fight again. Benny is… Fuck… Not even I could fix his issues. Pinkie deserves a shot after being there with him… I should have been there for him more than I was."

Three down, three to go. And none of them were giving her any better outlooks.

"Lumberman will have more of a family with Applejack than I could ever give him, even if I could give him a kid of his own. Sniff… he's as bad as Kelly, and Chris?"

She didn't need to give an explanation for Chris. She knew he was a lost cause the moment he met the ponies their first night.

"Who am I kidding? All my men are fantasies, too… I really should have gone after Chris years ago. I knew he was as lonely as me and he was always there to keep me company as much as Kelly was."

Having run through her short list of friends and coming up empty, she wrapped herself up in her towel and went for her clothes back in her room.

"What I wouldn't give to have a vibrator again."

After a quick change and getting her face painted up with a modest effort put in her hair, she decided to head downstairs to wait for Rainbow.

Walking out with a flurry of thoughts still distracting her of who was fucking who and what she could do now since her nerves were limiting her options for alone time, she bumped into a waist-high dragon, nearly tripping over him in the process.

"Woah!" Gallus called out as he flew up to catch Becky from falling over Spike. "You alright there Miss…"

Helping Becky get back to a stable upright position, Gallus was mentally searching for her name.

"Uh… it's not Burpy… Deckie?"

It was a good attempt but also an understandable mistake given all the wacky names some of these ponies had. As innocent as it was, Becky had to laugh at it.

"Becky, but you were close."

From the rear of the line of youngsters, a friendly little voice made a return.

"Becky! We're going to make everypony breakfast. You wanna help us?"

With no plans at the moment, what else could Becky say to such an adorable face?

"Breakfast sounds wonderful, Dinky."

Dinky had controlled the conversation for much of the morning. Human music, dancing, why muffins were great but not the greatest, and how Chris was the greatest at Marko Pono. All sorts of whimsical thoughts only a foal could think up.

"Hey, Becky. If Chris is your brother, would that make you my aunty?"

Playing along, Becky continued to watch from afar while giving her reply.

"Chris is like my brother, so technically I could be your aunt."

For Yona, the conversation was getting better and better.

"Ponies very lucky. Yaks only have yaks in family. Humans make great choice at picking family."

And with that, breakfast was ready to be served, according to Spike.

"Alright, that should be enough. All the adult delegates will be going out for breakfast. This should be enough for us, the Crusaders, and whoever else wants to join."

Agitated grunts and groans steadily grew louder in the room from Cerb.

"Oof! Hey… Ow, can we take a break? I thought we'd be done by now? I can only handle so much first thing in the morning."

While not satisfied, Fluttershy stopped halfway through her stroke down.

"Are you sure you can't tolerate a little more?"

Rarity, alongside her wingmare, was just as concerned with going a little longer.

"Justin, darling, please. You know we're only doing this so we can enjoy ourselves more actively tonight. You want to put on a good show in front of the others, don't you?"

Cerb ran his fingers through his hair, holding his head as he fought for the strength to continue. Sadly, his body could only bear so much, and he didn't think he could deal with it.

"How about you both do that mouth thing again where you suck me off while kissing each other one more time? Would that be a good trade-off?"

If Cerb was offering that again, Fluttershy had to assume he really couldn't take anymore and pulled her hooves away from his thigh.

"I'm sorry, Justin. Your leg is doing better, but not enough that you can be walking around all day and still be able to do any of the slow dances with us. And if you wanted us to make you cum again, shouldn't you be hard right now?"

Disappointed, Rarity hung her head at the lack of progress they had made.

"We know you like it rough and seem to enjoy a bit of pain mixed in with your pleasure." She looked over the leg again and his soft state. "Clearly this isn't the kind of rough treatment to warrant another morning rut."

Still glowing slightly from the morning coitus, Fluttershy accepted this was as much her stud could tolerate after all.

"I think you should rest for now if we can't work on you anymore, but at least we got this done after you woke me up so wonderfully this morning. I would have loved to have you cum inside me again, but we have so much to do today, we couldn't afford having you tire either one of us out."

Rarity started intensely at Cerb's cock, licking her lips and wishing he was hard again.

"Not that there isn't something for the three of us to enjoy when we get to share you between us like that. However, sadly, there are a few things I need to finish before tonight, and you'll look so dashing as you dance with us at the delegation. Likely plenty of the important ponies and leaders from other kingdoms will be there. You won't be showing off or instilling any confidence if you can't share a few dances, let alone stand. You do want to look strong, don't you?"

Already defeated, Cerb took this parlay to recover.

"Yes, I know. I'll be sitting my happy ass down for as long as I need to, share a few dances, then we're just gonna kick back at the party. I'm only worried about the griffons seeing me as weak if my leg cripples me. We can call it a night early and say it's training related."

Thus, there was another victory for Fluttershy, and naturally, she would reward her stallion for it.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll just finish the cooldown for you now then. Rarity can grab us breakfast in bed, then we'll shower and you can rest until we're ready to leave."

As Rarity left the room, Fluttershy busied herself with preparing Cerb’s clothes for later that day. She also wanted to get a better understanding of his mental state, not having a very schedule ahead of him.

"Are you going to be okay laying in bed until it's time to go? I know you don't like being laid up like this, but you have to understand how important it is that you heal."

Still not moving, Cerb laid still, trying his best not to be angry.

"No, I get it. I'm no good to anyone if I cripple myself."

With a response like that, Fluttershy could tell that he wasn't getting the big picture. So, she did her best to stay positive as she laid out his new suit for the event, doing her best not to let the vibes he gave off that practically made her skin crawl get to her.

"It's more than that, Justin. Last night showed us just how important you are to more ponies than just me and Rarity. I don’t like the idea of you having to fight for us again, but I see how important it is for you. More than that, we need you to be able to train us, because if you're going to be putting yourself in dangerous situations, Rarity and I will need you to train us as well."

She finished laying out the last few items and started her return to bed.

"You've seen what we can do, especially me. I fought those Timberwolves the same way I sparred with you. And that was from only one time training."

Taking her place next to Cerb again, she sat comfortably close, looking down at him sympathetically.

"This is only going to be for a short period of time. Resting, stretching, slowly strengthening your muscles up to where you need to be, and our therapy sessions will get you there so much faster if you stop forcing yourself to do more."

Finally getting through to Cerb, she lowered herself down to lay over him, chest to chest, with her chin resting on his shoulder.

"Today we're taking it a lot easier so no pony or other creature sees that you've been injured. We'll mingle and dance for a while, show them all that you're perfectly fine, then things can start going back to normal and I can really get rough with you."

Cerb wasn’t even surprised at this point how easily Fluttershy could calm his concerns. Her voice, the choice of words, and tone of delivery along with how she held him, he could deal with this.

"For such a gentle little lady, you sure do like the rough stuff. Is it just me, or have you always had this raging beast hidden inside you?"

Fluttershy readjusted herself, laying a little more squarely over Cerb’s hips, and sat upright, taking his wrist in her wings. Going with a slightly different take on her favorite position with him, she slowly raised his hands and pinned his wrists against the headboard behind him.

Having Cerb laying flat under her was a nice way to make her point.

"I like that for how similar we are while we also complement each other."

While still not hard, she still enjoyed feeling him between her legs. Even if they weren't having sex at the moment, her demonstration was still being made, though it might as well have been more than just foreplay for her.

"To everypony, you're big and strong. It doesn't take much for you to intimidate others, but you can enjoy being soft and gentle with me. Everypony sees me as small and weak. I don't scare ponies unless they've seen what I can do. But when we’re together, I don't have to worry about being strong and assertive. We love each other for what we are and trust each other enough to share the other side we keep hidden away."

A wonderful feeling of Cerb getting hard began stirring up some of that assertive nature in Fluttershy.

"Mmm, and what about you? Do you like being with a strong mare like me that can hold you down and enjoy you any way she wants?"

The more Fluttershy tightened her grip and held him in place, the harder and more aroused he was getting.

"I like the fact you think I'm not letting you hold me down as if I don't want the same thing."

As Fluttershy began to grind herself against him, getting ready for a second rut this morning, Rarity spoke up from behind them.

"Will I be eating alone this morning, or are you just getting warmed up for me even though we have plans this morning?"

Realizing that things had escalated a lot further than intended, Fluttershy released Cerb’s wrists and turned around to see Rarity standing in front of the closing door.

"Sorry, Rarity. We were having a moment and… then I guess I wanted another morning rut?"

Seeing how it was still early, Cerb placed his hands on Fluttershy’s hips and stroked them up and down her sides.

"How about we eat first and then spend a little extra time in the shower?"

Applejack lay comfortably with her back against Lumberman in the bathtub. All four of her hooves splayed out over the ledges and the most heavenly of smiles on her face.

"Woody… Hows abouts… we just say fuck breakfast, go back to bed, wake up, and we do that all over again?”

Lumberman, carefully holding Applejack against him to keep her from slipping, ran his hand further down his lady’s submerged body until he had her humming drunkenly at his touch.

“Go back to bed and wake up so we do what again?”

Falling back into a rhythm with Lumberman’s hand, Applejack felt every muscle in her body relax in the welcoming bliss that made the rest of the world fade away.

“Awe… you know what I want. More of this… More ‘uh that wonderful cock ‘uh yours.”

She rolled her shoulders and let out a low cooing noise as she felt Lumberman rise to the occasion against her.

“Uhg, Woody… Ferget the sunrise and tuh Tartarus with the roosters. Make that my new alarm clock.”

Reaching further down and pressing his stiffening member against her, he started planting kisses against her neck.

“You mean an alarm cock?”

Applejack cackled loud and nearly slipped out of Lumberman's grip.

"Ha! Woody! An alarm c- Ha! Oh, please make that a thing, sugar cube."

As the humor died down and they both relaxed into a comfortable silence, Applejack felt as if she was living in a dream. Only the feigning ache in her hooves kept the illusion from her believing it was true. If only all the pain was gone, she'd have been convinced that there was such a thing as a perfect life.

"I'm happy I can have this crazy life with you, Mr. James Forester… Tub Thumper."

For the time being, Lumberman didn't mind his old name being spoken aloud. The old baggage it carried didn't seem so heavy here. Not when he finally had something real.

"I'm fine with Woody, Apple Hat. But Tub Thumper? Well… I'm looking forward to the day I earn that title."

Such is life. Not everypony gets what they want, how they want… but that doesn't mean they don't get anything.

"Hey, partner… I doubt we'll be getting alone time once it's time fer chores. I'm thinking we best be skipping the sleeping part and getting straight to that good part where I make you love me more than you already do."

Using only his toe, Lumberman pulled the plug on the bath, ready to take Applejack on her request.

"You know, for such a smart country pony with all them good ideas of yours, you should know me loving you more happens regardless."

Catching her in another giggle, Lumberman brought her to humble moans as she turned her lips to his, and held her there long enough to make his own assessment for his apple mare.

"I think yer doing just fine today without them pain pills. Now, come on. Back to the bed with ya."

In the darkness that filled Chris's chambers, Chris woke to muffled groans and the fidgeting of bodies in front of him. A shuffle here, a shifting of wings there, yet no voices raised.

As his eyes adjusted, the scene around him was not much different than he remembered it. Entangled bodies facing practically in all directions and sleeping over each other. Parts of the sheets were still damp and the room was ripe with the smell of sex and their arousal.

Another body shifted, this one in front of him, but her eyes were open.

"Oh. Good morning, handsome."

Outside, the sun had only started to shine, but that was on the other side of the castle. In this room, what little light had started to grace the world provided only enough inside for Chris to make out the white coat and pink mane of Redheart.

That and her voice, as low as it was, gave her away.

"Good morning to you, sweetheart," Chris whispered back. "You missed a lot of the fun last night after you clonked out."

In all likelihood that was true, but Redheart could have cared less as she pulled herself closer to Chris.

"Maybe, but I also had my first rut. How long until I get my next?"

From behind Chris, another mare rolled onto her belly and raised her head just above his waist.

"Better make it quick, Red," Cream sleepily suggested. "Starlight is going to have Chris all to herself in Canterlot. We only have him until this afternoon."

Near Chris's feet and facing away, a pair of wings stretched open and a yellow mane started to sway as Derpy was woken up.

"Uh, oh. Dinky and the other foals will be getting up soon. Then I have to go to work.”

As if an alarm had gone off, suddenly, every mare was waking up.

"Oh, no. I'm going to be in class all day," Cheerilee announced, a hint of panic in her voice.

Prim drew a yawn and pulled her head out from under Starlight's tail.

"Ooh, shoot. I have a temp job I'm starting today."

Lastly, Starlight sat up and stretched her limbs.

"Hmm… You don't mind helping your loving, horny harem start their day will a little love and affection before having to leave them for your big trip, do you?"

His answer was as clear as Redheart crossing her leg over him and assisting onto his back with Cream’s help that they were making for him.

"Hasn't been a morning yet where I've left this bedroom without a mare helping me start my day like this. So I'm thinking that's a yes."

Emerging from the traveling magic show wagon, The Groggy and Pitiful Trixie stumbled forth into the world.

"Oof… this is so much better than yesterday."

She took in a short breath of the morning air and smacked her lips trying to expel the taste of lime soda and vodka. There wasn’t much there to get rid of. Much like how her eyes weren't suffering from straining from over-sensitivity to the light. There were a few stiff muscles and a rumble in her stomach, but that was a lot more from hunger than anything else.

Today's hangover was barely even noticeable, and that was on top of another night of no nightmares. So, certainly an upgrade from the past few nights.

Another rumble came from her stomach, and she could tell this rumble wasn’t from hunger.

"Arg… I wish these bathrooms weren't so far away."

After a thoroughly unpleasant bowel cleansing, Trixie ventured back out into the open world. Not many thoughts had plagued her these last twenty minutes or so, but what few she had were given plenty of consideration.

"Damn… if it's not one end, it's another. Now, if I fell asleep on the couch, but woke up in my wagon again, how long were Benny and the rest of them out there? I hope nothing bad happened."

Not even two steps towards the house later, everything she came to know about her own shit luck hit her like a truck.

"Of course something happened."

Carefully, she snuck in through the back door. Inside the house, it was quiet… but not too quiet. There were noises coming from upstairs. Moans, groans, noises that were-

"Ow! Damn it!"

"Vinyl! Honestly? What were you thinking?"

"That if I pushed harder we'd get our fuck on?"

Well, on the bright side, not walking in on Octavia and Vinyl likely fucking Benny was a great change of luck.

"Well… How close were you?"

"I dunno. I never measured pain in inches."

Then again, things could always be much worse.

"Fuck it, Tavi, I'm gonna suck it instead."

Crisis averted.

“Mmm-more!” Dinky demanded in giggles.

The table was filled with gleeful hums and playful chatter as the youngsters enjoyed their breakfast. None more than Dinky sitting on Becky’s lap as she fed the young filly.

“Becky? You wanna be a big sister too?”

“Big sister?” Becky asked, only loosely following the conversations they’d been having with each other.

Amidst the conversation, Smolder took another bite of this ponish styled breakfast food.

“There’s so much sugar in these things, I can’t believe I actually like them.” She took another big bite, not bothering to close her mouth as she went on to address the question. “But yeah, Becky, we kinda started a losers club for abandoned hatchlings and ponies last night. We decided that we’re all family, or however you humans do it.”

Now it was all mentally coming together as she did a headcount.

“Button, Cotton, Dinky, Pina, Spike, Smolder, Yona… Holy shit.”

There was no way this was all coincidence. The numbers just didn’t add up for it to be anything other than this on the nose.

“So so all seven of you-"

"There you are Dinky!"

Getting cut short of asking her question, Becky looked up to see Derpy and most of Chris's harem of mares trotting down the stairs. The clattering of hooves, flapping wings, and far too much chatter for Becky to follow.

Probably not the best time to bring up such a topic anyway. Certainly not with Derpy so abhorrently cheerful standing next to her.

"Thank you for taking care of Dinky this morning. I hope she wasn't too much trouble."

Dinky laughed and took a forkful of pancake in her aura to her mother's lips.

"I'm not trouble. I helped make breakfast."

While Becky fawned over the adorable foal and Derpy's motherly admiration of her daughter, Smolder and Gallus starred in a state of confusion and envy.

"Do they have to be so mushy about everything?" Gallus flatly asked Spike.

Meanwhile, Smolder kept her eyes on the display, feeling the same way.

"No kidding. When I was growing up, my brother asked if I was hungry… then told me to go dig for gems when I said yes."

Naturally, being more accustomed to such clear acts of affection, Spike wasn't even phased by the display and kept on eating.

"Ponies have different views regarding relationships. I think the humans are supposed to act the same way, but I don't think the humans had parents that did. A parent should love their children the way Derpy does."

Looking back at Becky, acting much the same, Gallus seemed only more confused.

"Then why is she so good at it?"

That hadn't been a thought that crossed Spike's mind, giving him pause. However, given his brief time with Chris in particular, but all of them really, they never gave him a reason to question it.

"I dunno. They're just really good at caring about others. It doesn't matter why or how, or even who. They can love more than one pony, Chris wants to be a father to foals that aren't his… They all do so much that I think they're helping us more than we're helping them. Kinda wish I had them growing up so I could have done more."

Unaware of the conversation taking place with Spike, Becky realized three weren’t there, and one of them was Chris.

"Hey, Derpy? Where's Chris?"

Pushing a seat between Becky and Yona to join them for breakfast, Derpy answered quite cheerfully.

"Oh, we had to make the most of our time with Chris this morning since you're all going to Canterlot. He said he would take a shower after Starlight was done."

This was going to be a dangerous question for Becky, but curiosity usually is dangerous to begin with.

"Done with him, or done with the shower."

Bless Derpy's heart for honestly thinking how to answer that question and how sweet her smile was as she gave what she hoped was the right answer.

"Yes?"

Well, consider Becky’s curiosity dealt with, so a more appropriate question was needed to change the subject.

"That's… nice. Where are Starlight and Nurse Redheart?"

Pulling up a chair on the other side of Becky, Cream set down her plate with the answer Becky needed.

"They're in the shower, too. Poor Red, still with that bad leg and all. They should be finishing up soon, then we'll be taking Red home and the foals off to school after breakfast."

Just in time to prevent Derpy from providing any further details, Cotton had an announcement to make to Prim. She just happened to announce it loud enough from everyone to hear.

"Em! Mom! If you marry Chris, then Becky will be our aunty. We're going to have a really big family."

Not to be outdone, Button wanted to point out another addition to their family.

"Ou-Ou! Mom! Mom! Smolder said she's my big sister. Now I have a big brother and a big sister! Oh! Oh! Three big brothers with Spike and Gallus!"

Already anticipating the slew of questions from the foals mothers, Becky took a quick sip of juice to wet her throat.

Actually, she should have made some tea, since the orange juice seemed to agitate her throat this morning.

"Ahem. Sorry. I think we kinda started that. You know, me, Chris, and the other five of us aren't related, but we all chose to be family for each other. I'm guessing we inspired them to do the same."

High above and behind them, yet another distraction.

"Dolly!"

"Shining-grab-her!"

"You were supposed to hold her!"

The loud pop of what had to be a shield being thrown up echoed in the room, followed by Cadance with the all-clear.

"Don't worry, we got her this time."

Thank God for how easily distractions just kept introducing themselves this morning. Although Becky didn't want to risk a unicorn toddler fighting with an alicorn infant over her lap. Mostly because she was pretty sure who would win.

"Okay, Dinky. Why don't you sit on mommy's lap until Chris gets down here. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be taking care of Flurry Heart for breakfast."

Poof!

Another cloud was kicked out of existence under Rainbow's hoof.

"God damnit!" Rainbow grunted. "Why does he have to be in all my dreams!"

She searched her surroundings for more clouds to punish, her anger only amplified by the abundance of more clouds. Far more than there was supposed to be.

"And why are there so many cumulonimbus?"

Another spike of anger rose as she realized what happened.

"Oh, motherfucker! They sent us Fillydelphia's weather again!?"

Off in the distance of the center of town, even the early risers could hear Rainbow vent her rage.

"Goddamnit!"

Exhausted and a little sore from rushing through her duties, Rainbow trotted into the dining hall.

"Hey, Becky! Sorry I'm late I… Awe, are you fucking kidding me? I missed breakfast?"

Having missed dining with her friends, Rainbow ventured upstairs to look for her ward. On the way, she heard a clamoring of voices heading towards Cerb’s room… then silence.

Curious, she turned to see Spitfire's tail vanishing into the room.

"Oh, this can't be good."

Fearing the fallout of either Rarity or Fluttershy returning and blowing a gasket over another mare approaching in on their stallion, she rushed to open the door. The immediate return of voices shocked her along with the sight she came across.

"Hey, Dash," Fleetfoot happily greeted her fellow Wonderbolt. "Where have you been? You missed chow and Becky leaving with Shining and Sunburst."

Walking in from behind, Cadance welcomed the late arrival.

"There you are, Rainbow. While you were out, Rarity asked if we could keep Justin company. After breakfast, Fluttershy had spoken with Becky, they wanted us to discuss what we'll be doing in the Crystal Empire."

Following Cadance further into the room, she began to take it all in.

Fleetfoot was looking over the gear Cerb had taken into the Everfree Forest, Spitfire had a tray of snacks she was spacing out, Soarin' was taking measurements of Cerb’s ax, and Flurry Heart was being tossed up and down in some kind of flying game. Kind of impressive Cerb could toss her so easily while laying on his back.

The last thing she noticed how short Cerb’s shorts were. The fact that the shorts were the only thing he was wearing was going to be difficult not to focus on.

"Soooo, what are we talking about now?"

Hearing Rainbow's voice, Cerb caught Flurry one last time and playfully dropped her off on a pile of pillows.

"Okay, Flurry. No more airplane. Big Dolly needs to talk to mommy and some friends."

"Up!" Flurry demanded in between her giggles. "Up!"

Seeing how this was only going to end with the little filly getting her way, Cerb picked her up and sat her on his good leg.

"Fine-fine Princess. If it pleases her highness, you can stay here while we talk if you're quiet."

Suddenly, Cerb realized the five ponies he was there to talk to were all standing around the bed. All of them waiting to get started, but just standing around the bed made it feel weird.

"Uh… Okay, so we're going to talk about a new combat training program, but just having you stand around me is kind of creeping me out. Do we have any chairs or…"

Clearly out of the loop, Rainbow asked the obvious question.

"Why don't we just do this in the library like normal?"

Again, Cadance answered this question, though she did so with a mix of whimsy and fear.

"While mentioning to Rarity that we wanted to take Justin out for lunch to discuss our training plans, she was very stern about Justin not leaving his bed."

Finishing this explanation, Cerb made one thing clear.

"At least this time she didn't threaten to skin anyone. And before you ask, nothing's broken, I'm not crippled. Fluttershy just wants me to rest my leg as much as possible so it heals faster. That way I can start with the training as soon as possible."

That seemed to explain everything but Cerb noticed just how tired Rainbow looked.

"You alright, Dash?"

In truth, she was physically fine, but the lack of sleep and extra work had taken a toll on her. The bags alone under her eyes were enough of a hint of that.

"What? Me? Oh, I'm fine. Just uh, well, Fillydelphia's weather crew sent their weather pattern to Ponyville again, so I had a lot more work than usual today. Must've slept on my wings wrong or something, too. Kept me up all night."

Hearing that, Soarin' laughed like it was a joke.

"Yeah, right, newbie. And I bet you cleared a city's worth of clouds all by yourself."

Now this was unfortunate for Rainbow. Looking weak in front of one crush and being mocked by another. Unfortunately, she was too tired and too high strung to play it off as a joke or properly explain herself. So, she kept her answer simple and honest, but held back on the civility.

"Yeah. I did. And it's not the first time either. That's why I'm the only weather mare in Ponyville. I'm too efficient for Cloudsdale to bother hiring another pony here."

Before Soarin' could get another jab in, Spitfire spoke up to stop the squabble before it interrupted what little time she had with Cerb.

"Can it, Clipper. Even a town half the size as Ponyville has at least a two-pony weather team. I had to verify that myself when Rainbow Dash applied for the Wonderbolts and put that in as her job experience." She turned her eyes with a sly grin towards Rainbow. "Nearly threw out her application for lying. Instead, I put her a lot higher up on the list of future candidates after reading Cloudsdale's Weather Command validating her claim."

While it was true, Spitfire wasn't going to leave what else the letter said, and turned her eyes to Cerb with a smug grin.

"They said she could clear the sky faster than any pony else. Fastest weather mare they'd ever seen."

As Rainbow gave an equally smug smile to Soarin's, Spitfire finished with the biggest blemish on Rainbow's review.

"The downside being she often slacked off on doing her jobs on time and nearly got her fired twice."

Rainbow's smirk immediately shattered with a look of outrage and scrunched her face at the bad reporting.

"It was only once. The second time was because of the first time Fillydelphia's team sent me their weather."

"Alright already," Cerb called out, lamenting on how this was turning out. "To be honest, I don't care about your job right now, Dash. What you can do when it comes time to fight as what I want you for. Now…"

The more Cerb thought about it, he remembered he still owed Dash for everything she'd done for him when he needed her the most. Might as well do something she probably wasn't getting from Becky at the moment.

"This meeting is already informal. Everyone, just get comfy on this big ass bed. Dash, you sit next to me and I'll take care of your wings for you. Cadance, can take Flurry… let her play with my feet again or something."

Making this meeting completely informal, Cadance picked Flurry up and set the filly down at Cerb's feet. For some reason the soft wiggly toes to Flurry, each was like a key on a xylophone, only better. So long as she didn't stick another toe in her mouth, Cerb would be fine with letting her occupy herself while they got down to business.

This also gave Rainbow free access to Cerb’s lap, which was where he pulled her down to lay over. And while not being a proficient masseuse, with his human touch, he didn’t need to be.

"Ooooh, yeah," Rainbow mewed happily. "That’s the good stuff."

Hoping that was only an innocent reaction, Cerb continued to work his hands over the center of her back and wing joints.

"Enjoy it, Dash. I owe you for coming through for us out there. But anyway, now to get down to business. The Wonderbolts specialize in search and rescue. The guards, or at least some of them, cover the basics of ground operations, air superiority, and magic-based offense, defense, and I'm guessing counterspells and enhancements. That kind of makes the Elements of Harmony more like the special forces for taking on the larger threats. Bringing in me will be more like a trump card to play if needed, but also special tactics and small unit operations. For now, we'll consider the Wonderbolts the special teams for covert air operations. Does that sound about right?"

Together they all nodded, but it was then that Cerb realized they were one mare short.

"Crap… Can one of you go see if Thunder Glide is available? Without Cutter here, she seems to be our best asset. Maybe even Midnight or Ralph. I don’t know what they specialize in, but they also came through for us in a big way."

If that was what was needed, Cadance turned to Soarin'.

"Would you mind fetching them for us?"

Soarin' gave a quick salute and trotted away towards the door.

That was one pony down. Now Cadance was wishing there was a way to get the others out of the room. Once that happened, Cerb would have nowhere to go, and no way for anyone outside the room to interrupt whatever questions she may have.

At the same time, Rainbow was wishing the others would leave as well. Becky’s hands had been heavenly to help her relax, but Cerb’s hands were massive, and each digit had so much more penetrating power to what they could deliver.

Still, no ear twitches, which was a lifesaver, yet she couldn’t help but imagine what must have happened on this bed to leave behind such an enchanting fragrance of lust.

Knowing what that movie had shown her, her imagination did a thorough job setting the scene.

Likewise, Spitfire and Fleetfoot were watching Rainbow’s pampering session. They both wondered how a pony could enjoy something so much?

While Cadance wasn't known for jealousy, she certainly was envious. Then again, perhaps she could turn this around later on.

"So," Cerb said, snapping the others back to attention. "How many are we going to be training with? I'll need a full run-through of what kind of training they've all had, certifications, how their schools are set up, and what levels of force are allowed as well as your code of conduct for each branch of service."

Sadly, there wasn't any pony jumping at the opportunity to give their resume. Only Fleetfoot managed to find anything to offer.

"Most of our training and certification revolves around our air shows. The search and rescue is a program offered through the royal public services. We do our own training to stay qualified, but it's still overseen by an EEA certified instructors. We only assist."

It was annoying, but Spitfire was all too used to the red tape.

"The E.U.P. does all its own training for airshow and… other… operations. But the EEA still has to certify our own certification process."

That was a roadblock that could be dealt with later, and Cadance had the means to work around it.

"I worked with the EEA while in Canterlot… I don't want to work with them for this project."

Suddenly, Cerb stopped the massage, and everyone thought that was that. Cadance however, didn’t see it that way.

"The Crystal Ponies have accepted me to rule over the Crystal Empire. It's an independent Kingdom with oversight from Canterlot." She grinned, but there was a touch of malice behind it. "My oversight. So, for now, this is an independent training program that I'll be developing for the unique security concerns of my subjects that have entrusted me to lead and continue protecting them."

While that sounded like she was wandering in some grey areas, Cerb saw this as an even better opportunity to do what he needed.

"So long as we're in the clear, I'm still game."

"Still game?" Cutter's voice spoke up from the back of the room. "And here I thought you wanted my input for something serious."

Stepping forward from Cutter's side, Thunder gave a sleepy smile under her baggy eyes.

"The Solar and Lunar Guard are here to answer the call. What do you need of us?"

With Midnight and Soarin' standing tall behind them as well, they could finally start getting into the nitty-gritty.

Taking a very different approach in examining Becky’s condition had yielded mixed results. Mostly positive, so that had Becky feeling a little more optimistic.

"So… you think you could regenerate the lining of my lungs?"

Zecora continued looking back and forth between a large tome and her collection of ingredients.

"It's more than a stretch, so we must slow our paces. This potion was made to restore pony's faces."

Calling it a stretch was an understatement from Sunburst’s perspective.

"I see what you were going for, Zecora, but that potion is for countering the effects of a vanishing powder. We need something that can either heal scar tissue or replace the pleura and alveoli that's been damaged. if anything we might have more luck with the vanishing powder recreating the healthy tissue surrounding the bad."

That logic more or less ruled out what Zecora was originally thinking, but she thought she might have come across another option.

"Perhaps we have another method here on this page. What if we made a powerful potion that reversed her lung's age?"

Intrigued, Sunburst trotted over to see what Zecora was talking about. Some of the components and processes were different, but the math of the magical properties all added up.

"A de-aging potion? No way. The ones that you can boil down to a particular age only last for a few hours. An-an-and the ones that last the longest, the age values can be altered by anything from the room’s temperature, if it's been shaken in the bottle, or just about anything."

With all the banter and exchanging of ideas, Becky had to fix one problem they overlooked.

"There’s no point de-aging my lungs… I was sick the whole time growing up. And that’s not even taking into consideration that if you reverse the age of my lungs to when I was younger, they'd be smaller. Shrinking my lungs would end up ripping them away from the pleura connection tissue or end up creating a space of negative pressure that would prevent me from fully exhaling and I would still suffocate."

The more she tried to remember the issues with lung issues like these, the scarier the outlook became.

"Excessive bleeding from a tear, air leaks, pneumonia, collapsed lungs… Too many risks with anything that would change the size of my lungs."

Hearing all of these terrible outcomes and incomplete scenarios, Shining could only think of the most simple of resolutions.

"Couldn't you just make a potion that only makes the scar tissue go back in time to when they were healthy?"

Zecora and Sunburst slowly raised their muzzles, locking eyes and silently exchanging a series of spells and potions.

"Nooooo," Becky coldly answered, immediately shutting it down. "No time spells. It's one thing to reverse an entire organ to a previous state. Assuming it would work like I imagine it would, and recreate what the cellular makeup would be like based on the genetic code, but reversing the scar tissue would revert it back to nothing."

Perhaps she had been a little too cold in her response, but they were looking at this a little too simplistically or didn't understand the science behind what was happening.

"The scars are a replacement for tissue that died… a potion wouldn't have the original cells revert back to their healthy condition… How about for now we focus on the healing and regeneration options."

Things were sounding so good until they started shooting for the moon with a full, fast-acting cure. It just wasn't reasonable, and they were wasting their time over it.

"I'm sorry to be such a downer, but if what the Elements of Harmony made clear is that our bodies have limits. Healing magic does work, so let's not get carried away with a full recovery right away. Not when stopping the damage or matching its pace to stop its progress is still going to save me."

Becky’s request kind of killed the mood, but they knew she was right. Preserving her quality of life was going to be important so they could look at finding a cure for her other condition.

If that was the real goal, then Zecora had to change gears back to where they began.

"It would be wise for us to take Becky's request to heart. Let us focus on where we have a promising start."

Sunburst was in agreement, but still saw potential in more advanced methods.

"With these flowers, we have more than enough to work with once we can refine the healing elements of them. I think that once we find a concoction that works to heal the damaged cells before they degrade to the point of becoming scars, we can look for options regenerating the lost ones and removing those scars. If we can figure out a way to do that, we should be able to modify the same process to treat your nerves and help regenerate those as well."

Becky cleared her throat, feeling a stinging itch in her chest.

"Um, not to sound rude, but do you have any of that tea Fluttershy made for me? She said you were helping her make more of it. I don't have a lot left and didn't have any at the castle to brew this morning."

Zecora gave a promising smile to Becky, happy to give what she could.

"Some of the ingredients collected aren't ready, so my supplies are a bit low. But I've pulled together what I could, I'll give you a few days worth before you go."

In the small examination room, Lumberman turned to his side, wearing only his underwear, and lifted his arm.

"Bend forward again?"

This was more than uncomfortable for him. Having been offered the extra incentives for all the more intensive examinations was one thing, but he really didn't know how to feel about having both Redheart and Starlight in the room seemed… wrong?

"No," Doctor Horse answered as he took more notes. "Nurse Redheart, thank you for coming in, but you really should be resting."

Looking over the notes Doctor Horse made, Redheart seemed confident in the findings.

"I'm resting and recovering just fine, but the only human not directly under my care as a provider is Mister Husk. And after the last incident here, you'll want me here so another Princess doesn't have to make an appearance- and by the way, who peed themselves when Twilight came here last time?"

Doctor Horse shuttered like a bucket of ice had been poured down his pants.

"From what I heard of it, probably the whole east wing. And Mister Forester, are you sure we couldn't have you here for a little longer for a few more tests? At the very least, Miss Landon has requested a blood draw in case an accident occurs with either you or Mister Husk. There's a note here that the two of you have similar blood types?"

"Shit," Lumberman huffed as he zipped up his pants. "Yeah… Knowing our luck, one of us will need it."

This time, Applejack shuttered in her chair.

"I think I've seen enough blood to last me a lifetime."

If a blood draw was the last thing to do, then they would be able to leave right after it. If that was the case, Lumberman could give Applejack a head start.

"Yo, Star Power. Could you give Apple Hat some help getting into the truck for me? I'll take Chris and Redheart with me for the blood draw, then give you three a ride back to wherever."

Getting out of the hospital sooner rather than later sounded like a great idea to Applejack. That also gave her some time to put some steps in, and she carefully slid out of her chair onto all fours.

"Emph!" She grunted in a deep groan. "Good thinking Woody. Need to get used tuh moving on my own again."

Applejack’s recovery was astounding. A medical impossibility… or she was just simply too stubborn to stay in a wheelchair. Either way, Lumberman wasn't going to let her get too self-independent and rip something open.

"Hey-ay, Apples. You take it slow and let Starlight carry you-"

"If it hurts too much or I start to stumble," Applejack whined, quoting him verbatim. "Ya ain't gotta keep reminding me. I wanna drink and dance a little tonight, too, you know."

Watching Applejack take her baby steps out on her legs that were either stiff or trembling, Lumberman didn't know whether to laugh or pray for her.

"Yeah, well if you wanna do more than that, then you better not hurry yerself. You might be doing fine without them pain pills now, but if you tear them stitches, I'm gonna spank that cute little ass of yers till yer begging for another dose."

Doctor Horse's ears went erect at hearing that threat. Though it could have been a joke.

"Please tell me you wouldn't honestly give a full-grown mare a spanking."

"Oh, he better," Applejack happily answered, giving Lumberman a wink as she slowly walked out. "Less you’re afraid to put yer hands on this bomb ass uh' mine."

At that point, Lumberman smirked internally. If Applejack was going to play that way, he could get her focused on her walking and not joking around.

"Oh, would that get ya moving faster?"

The answer was too strong of a yes to admit, and Applejack let this round go to Lumberman.

"Walk away rule. I'm going."

Applejack had made it clear that she was determined to walk all on her own. Which she largely did up until making it to the lobby.

"Awe, fuck it. Starlight. I'm calling it quits here. Ain't no point in marching on jus' tuh' be too sore for tonight."

Sadly, Starlight had never spent much time with Applejack. Not even since their brief interaction after her first time upsetting Chris and she ended up making a mess in the orchard with him during her apology.

In a lot of ways, looking at the apple pony now, Starlight had a lot more respect for her.

"Don't worry. You take it easy. I'll take you the rest of the way."

Getting Applejack seated wasn’t difficult, which gave them time to relax. So, Starlight took a seat behind the steering wheel.

"Wow. This is surprisingly comfy. Sure must be one heck of a wild ride."

Applejack nodded, excited to get out and talk to Becky. Getting the all-clear to drink again was going to make tonight a lot more tolerable. Although one thing she really wanted to know was something she knew only Starlight could tell her.

"So, uh… Seems like things between you and Chris really did end up working out a lot better after all. I'm happy fer ya."

Starlight smiled like a fawning schoolgirl as she answered, "So much better.. and thanks. I'm glad to see how well you and Lumberman get along together."

Hadn't they done this already? Back at the Post-War-Party? Or was that really just centered around bringing them all up to speed about sex?

Was this Applejack trying to bond or get back on track with being a proper friend? Starlight wasn't sure.

"Kinda crazy when you think about it. You're the only mare in town with a human stallion all to yourself. How do you do it?"

"Do what, exactly?" Applejack asked, sounding a bit suspicious of the question.

That's right. Starlight still wasn't exactly on the most level of playing fields with Applejack. She was sure anything she said could be viewed with a skeptical lense.

"Sorry. I don’t mean to pry, but I know that at least with Cerb, Sniff, and Chris, keeping up with their sex drive is exhausting… or is Lumberman taking his time with you?"

So it was a question of concern, not a proposition. Applejack could appreciate that.

"Oh, I thought you were fixing to set us up with another mare or something, err… Nevermind that, but this does bring up something I wanted tuh ask ya, if it's not too sensitive a subject."

Starlight had been nearly an open book since the party, so nothing seemed off the table.

"If it's about sex, I can talk. What do you want to know."

This wasn’t going to be easy for Applejack. She wanted her private life with Lumberman to be just that, but she needed help.

"If when you asked me if Lumberman was taking it slow you meant just the hands and mouth stuff, yeah, we are. Problem is, we both want more, you know?"

This could only really be one thing, but Starlight still wanted to make sure.

"You both want to rut but are worried about it hurting you, I take it?"

Applejack silently nodded, looking a little sad about it. In which case, Starlight could understand.

"I'm guessing you don't want another mare's help, which is your choice to make. I still recommend it, but from what I've seen, I don't think he wants that either. If that's the case, Red has found some medical tubes she used to help her body adjust to something human-sized… but they weren't big enough to make much of a difference."

Starlight's confession was nothing Applejack wanted to hear. It also didn't deter her ambitions, and she started to wonder how bad it could really be in comparison to what else she's gone through.

"Starlight, if you had to choose between rutting with Chris for the first time again or having Timberwolf splinters cut and ripped out of your hooves… which would you pick?"

Despite all of Starlight's hesitation and urging of others not to do what she did, she couldn’t imagine agreeing to go through what Applejack did. But since those were the options to choose from, Starlight figured she would give this desperate mare what she needed to know.

"I haven't pushed any of my girls to do what I did. But if I'm being honest, I would make that same commitment to have Chris fuck me again, so I can't say you shouldn't. It hurts a lot… but seeing how well you did getting cut open like that, this will be a walk in the park for you."

Applejack gave an embarrassed huff of a laugh, not at all seeing how little she experienced when Lumberman pushed in harder hinted at a walk in the park. There had to be some kind of secret to it.

"So, uh… how or what am I supposed to do?"

There wasn’t much Starlight couldn't think of, but she didn't want to be the sole source of information. That seemed to cause a lot of problems in the past with others.

Thankfully, Twilight had already planted the seed for this to be addressed.

"Tell you what. Twilight wants all of us girls to get together to talk about everything sex-related and taking care of whoever we're choosing to stay in love with. Not just for the sex, but to make sure no pony tries to come between us."

At that moment, their eyes met and they seemed to understand where each other really stood. Only, Starlight wasn't going to leave any ambiguity between them to remain.

"We all love our stallions, but we've come to love the mares that need love, too. We have a lot of experience and information to share. If you and Lumberman only want to be with each other, then you'll have our support to make sure nothing comes between you both having all the protection we can offer while he ruts you unconscious, if that's what you two want."

This was what Applejack had needed. Informative, support, and ponies that knew what was going on. Her prayers had been answered.

"Thanks a bushel. I owe ya big time for this."

There wasn't too much to tell, and Starlight figured they had a bit more time, so she might as well make the most of it.

"I'm happy to help. Besides, what are friends for? And since we are friends… you gotta tell me about your first time with Lumberman. How was it? "

Applejack turned her head with a cocky grin.

"Our first time was just ole' Woody spoiling me all night with them hands uh' his. Our real first was last night, and boy howdy. I never thought I'd love tuh have anything behind these lips uh' mine but uh’ fresh ripe apple. But sure as sunshine, I was wrong."

Ember sat at the back of the classroom with the rest of the delegates.

The concept of classes and education wasn't something she was ignorant to, but as a formal structure that met on a regular basis was strange. However, she was enjoying the current subject matter of study.

"Oh! I know this one! Sapphires are mined from Alluvium deposits, but most of the natural sapphire gems have to be heat-treated to improve their color and flavor.”

“Very good, Princess Ember,” Cheerilee called out from the head of the classroom. “But again, these questions are for the students. So, if you could-”

“Geo studies not matter,” Rutherford loudly declared, not having been able to answer a single geology question correctly. “Bubble Gum teacher should go back to map questions. Yaks best at geography. Yona not miss one question.”

Yona, trying to look as small as possible, wasn’t in the spirit of accepting the attention.

“Yona not answer questions. You answered for Yona. And Yona not want to answer questions! Just listen to answers!”

The consistent interruptions from the guests in the back had Cheerilee growing ever more frustrated with trying to get through her lesson plan. However, she had to take their backgrounds into consideration.

“Prince Rutherford, Dragon Lord Ember, I’m more than happy to have Yona, Gallus, and Smolder join the class for the day, I would appreciate it if you allowed them to participate directly. They’ve all shown themselves very well educated in their respective fields… when allowed to answer.”

Smolder, just as annoyed, turned to Gallus, curious as to how they managed to stay so close with their answers they privately swapped earlier during class.

“So, why are you so good at math? How much treasure do you have to count?”

Gallus calmly twiddled his pencil between his claws, growing very bored of the current subject.

“Griffons are very aggressive with collecting bits and charging interest. If you’re not good at math when doing business with a griffon, you’re gonna get ripped off. But I don’t know a thing about geodes and crystals, even if they are the second most common form of currency.”

Smolder rolled her eyes, but hardly had any room to brag.

“Yeah, well, they’ve been our only type of currency up until recently, but since we eat them, we pretty much have to know all about them to survive. At least you and Yona are good at reading and writing. I can barely spell my name or read a lunch menu.”

Listening along, Yona snickered at the friendly self deprecation of their educational shortcomings.

“Yona only best at geography. Yak’s know all best trade routes and have to spell inventory of goods to make trade. But math not most important when barter is of quality, not quantity.”

Not having even attempted to answer any of the questions, and seemingly ignoring the three minors conversation, Gruff snorted in his usual annoyed fashion.

"You better ace any questions about history, Gallus."

The stern tone only made Gallus hunker down lower in his desk.

"I'm not even a student, Gramps. Haven't you homeschooled me enough? And why'd you never teach me any of this other stuff?"

The question prompted just another disgruntled grumble from the old bird, a hint of embarrassment hidden under the grunt.

"Bah… I taught ya plenty."

Gilda, who had been quiet out of disinterest, heard only just enough to think she needed to distract Gruff from Gallus.

"You probably taught him everything you know years ago, ya old coot. And most of it’s probably outdated anyway."

Before Gruff could gather his offense into words, Cheerilee made the call everyone was waiting for.

"Okay, class. Lunch then recess."

Breakfast hadn't done much to hold anyone over, so breaking for a meal was at the top of their menu. This also would give Twilight some time to catch up with Cheerilee and check in with Sniff. Maybe even a little more if he was in the mood.

"Pinkie, Spike. Please show our guests back to town and help them with whatever Ponyville has to offer that sounds appetizing. And to our delegates, lunch will be covered by the royal account just like breakfast, so feel free to enjoy anything on any menu."

Letting the others gather their things before walking out on their own, Twilight carefully made her way between desks. The stretching of the chairs grinding across the floor making way for the oversized dress causing the students to giggle, save the few that nearly had their lunches knocked off their desks.

At Cheerilee’s desk, Twilight only had one quick message.

"I just wanted to remind you about meeting back at the castle today. Let the rest of the girls know that I would love to have them there, and it shouldn't take long."

Happy to attend, Cheerilee smiled and tried not to lose track of all her students in the mix of departing guests.

"I haven't forgotten, Twilight. We'll be there."

In the back of the room, some of the students were saying some goodbyes of their own.

"Hey, big sis," Button called out with a snack still wrapped in his mouth. "I had a Power Ponies candy bar in my desk if you wanna have it."

Reluctant to accept, Smolder grabbed the candy bar, but then hesitated to even unwrap it.

"Uh, thanks, but I don't have anything to trade for it."

Naturally, Button couldn't have shown how little he cared if offered to.

"It’s not a trade, it's a gift. I want you to have it."

Ever quick to keep everything on the level, Spike grabbed Smolder by the wrist and pressed the candy bar to her chest.

"It's a sign of friendship. A token of appreciation that doesn't require an exchange."

Smolder felt something from Spike’s hand. A tingle. Faint, barely noticeable, if not for how out of place it was. A feeling not draconian or equestrian, though a ghostly familiar sensation.

"Oh… okay? Thanks, little bro."

Ever the little ball of sunshine, Dinky was a few seconds behind but had something to gift as well. A piece of paper she hurriedly ran over to Gallus.

"I drew you a picture."

Curious, Gallus plucked the picture out of Dinky’s aura and felt his heart nearly thump out of his chest for a few beats.

The picture was crudely drawn in only the way a foal her age could, but it was all seven of them together on the paper. Big smiles, claws and hooves holding each other's. Clearly, she made a point to have her and him drawn together.

"Thanks, Dinky. Maybe next time I come back I'll draw you a picture."

Yona, never having been given the opportunity, ran outside to Rutherford with a little filly on her back.

"Excuse me! Bestest Prince leader! Yona have very important question… Can new pony sister be sister?"

Rutherford stopped dead in his tracks and turned to Yona, looking perfectly gunghoe with the idea.

"Bestest leader always make time for Yaks. Who is new sister."

Excited for making it official, Yona bowed her head, letting Pina slide down front and center.

"New sister is Pina Colada. She Earth pony and wants to be part of yak family."

Rutherford stared down the young filly. His every glance looking for her merit.

"Hmm. Me not think little pony be good yak. Pina Colada not look part. Puny pony not be good at smashing if so small."

Cheerilee, having watched Yona run out with one of her students had caught up and quickly ascertained what was happening.

Obviously, she wasn't going to let Berry's daughter be so easily dismissed and have her hopes crushed without a fight.

Though, obviously not a physical one given the Yak prince’s temperment. No, she had a method that was far less drastic.

"Don't be so quick to dismiss us Earth ponies, Prince Rutherford. While we may not make smashing part of our daily routine, we are quite good at it."

This caught the prince off guard slightly and despite his seeming oafish nature, he wasn’t stupid. The prince knew maintaining good relations with the ponies was important, he still had his standards.

"Yaks respect Earth pony strength but puny ponies not smash good like yak."

"Is that so?" Cheerilee asked, a little insulted for her student, yet did so with an air of arrogance.

Determined to prove her point, Cheerilee walked up to the nearest fence post, a little larger than a 4x4. She gave it one quick glance then turned her backside to it.

With a half-grin over her glare, she brought her back right leg in and up against her body.

"Hee-yah!"

From the snap of her leg, she kicked the fence post. The face of the piece of timber shattered into bits and pieces, while the rest ripped apart into large chunks and scattered behind her.

Seeing the awesome display of strength, Pina reared up and began to stomp every blade of grass, flower, and twig she could get her motivated little hooves on.

"Hmm," Rutherford hummed as he mulled over what he just bore witness to. "Bubble Gum teacher pony make good case for filly yak. Yak take little pony under consideration and speak with yak family."

He looked at Pina. Her little huffs of anger and excitement showing her passion towards winning him over.

"Little pony need to practice smashing. One day make good yak. Yona may have pony sister for now but need yak mother and father to say yes. Then Pina Colada can be official yak sister."

Firm in his decision, and proud of it, the prince turned back towards Ponyville, hungry for a victory.

"Come, Yona! Pinkie take us to great feast in preparation for new pony yak."

Ready to celebrate, Yona picked up her new sister, hugging and spinning her in circles as they laughed together.

"Yona will be great big sister and see you again soon."

She then promptly set the filly down and took off for the rest of the delegates already leaving.

"But now time for feasting! You eat too, okay!

Pina waved off her new sister and ran back towards the classroom, stopping once to stomp down and smash another flower, then ran back to share the great news.

Twilight stood next to Cheerilee, happy to see the kind act had worked.

"If all goes well and Chris really does decide to stay and settle down, you'll make a great mother."

Now that the audience was finally gone Cheerilee shook her kicking hoof and let out a held back hiss of pain. Yet despite the visible bruise on her hoof, her smile never faltered.

"I sure hope so. That kinda hurt, and I'd hate to do all that for nothing."

Feeling entitled to allow herself in, and maybe catch a little action, Twilight teleported in front of Sniff’s bed. What she found was her trusted guard and Lyra passed out, laying entangled with each other.

The air was thick with the scent of lust, meaning there was only one reason they were knocked out.

"Goddamnit. I missed everything."

"That you Twiggs?" Came Sniff’s voice from the bathroom, before poking his head around the door frame. "Everything alright or were you wanting to…"

Clearly, that was a rhetorical question, judging by her expression.

"Yeah… You were, huh?"

Sad but true, what else could she say? Even if it was a little pathetic.

"Sorry. It's just the more I see others wanting what we have, or putting in the extra effort to keep want they have, the more I want to pull you away and take advantage of the time I have with you. And for all you're doing for us. And offering to help Cutter. An… And tonight I'm getting all the girls together so we can discuss our concerns and make sure no pony has the wrong ideas about-"

She sauntered up to the doorway, feeling particularly weak. The smell of his essence, emanating so much stronger. She could practically feel it on her the more she breathed it in.

"-everything… Did Lyra and Swift Sails take care of you? If not-"

"Twiggs," Sniff cut her off, knowing how bad she must be needing it. "I'm going to throw on my shirt and pants then run up to your room. Will that give you enough time to get just enough off of you so that I can take care of you like a good princess deserves?"

For a moment, she was frozen. Caught staring at his nude form that had been waiting to start a shower.

All the things she didn't want to be slow and patient with, and other acts still wanted to try were eating away at her will power.

"Your Princess is feeling very needy right now and hopes you won't keep her waiting."

In a flash of violet light, Twilight was gone and Sniff was hurrying to put his pants on.

"I gotta stop holding back. They're dropping like fucking flies."

He quickly slipped on his shirt and checked his hair in the mirror.

Gotta look good for royalty, after all…for at least the short amount of time he won’t be in someone’s bedroom.

After a busy morning, of tending to the animals and finishing the work orders and special projects for Canterlot, Fluttershy and Rarity had plenty of time to enjoy lunch with Cerb.

Nothing too fancy. Most just leftovers from their date at Grapes and Olives.

"You don’t think we were too hard on him this morning, do you?" Rarity asked.

Gracefully walking in stride with her lovely mare, Fluttershy answered with such recent thoughts on her mind.

"Not at all. I might have been a little rough on him in the shower, but he likes it when I'm more aggressive."

Rarity lost herself to a little giggle fit and playfully swatted Fluttershy with her tail.

"Not like that, dearie. I'm talking about how sternly we came down on him about taking it easy so he can let his leg heal. We both know he can take a lot more physically from us, but verbally and emotionally I can’t say for sure how much he enjoys or tolerates it when we come down on him like we did. I’m a little worried about pushing him away"

"I think he needs it," Fluttershy happily stated. "I think Justin needs our softer, more affectionate approach when he's calm and comfortable, or scared. But after all the hardships he faced, and then going to war, he feels safe with that aggression and strong front we put on. He needs conflict, which is why he wants to keep on fighting. I see it in lots of my predator friends."

The fact that humans were a predatory species was something Rarity often left in the back of her mind. It might have brought out one of Cerb's best attributes, but he so rarely showed it.

"He wants… us to be mean to him?" Rarity asked, almost frightened at the concept.

Fluttershy only smiled brighter and shook her head as they continued up the stairs.

"No-No. Not mean. Strong, firm. He needs to see resistance to know where boundaries are. It's why he's been calm when Luna was firm about him not going into the Everfree Forest or Kelly punching him. Why he's so compliant when we put our hooves down. It let's him know where the danger is. Just like how calm and collected he was when we went back to the castle last night. Don't you remember what you told Luna?"

In a flash, Rarity’s words came back to haunt her.

"That he does better with a target in front of him instead of looking over his shoulder? Could that be why he was so nervous when he didn't know if we wanted to be with him, but then made himself available when he figured it out?"

Confidentily, Fluttershy hummed a yes and nodded.

"Emmhmm. Wolves are a lot like that. They need strong reinforcement to know what they can or can't do so they know to respect boundaries, but also lots of love and affirmation to be happy and healthy with their pack. Too much of one, or not enough of the other, and they become aggressive or destructive. But if you give them a healthy balance of both, they're very loyal and protective."

She turned a flirty eye towards Rarity to see the state of awe she was in as it all became clear. It was so cute to see, so she took a moment to flaunt her understanding of how they were to deal with their loving human protector.

"Wouldn't you say Justin has become loyal and protective? Not to mention an incredible lover for both of us because of how well we've been able to take care of him?"

Now nearing his room and his scent growing stronger, Rarity had a new sense of confidence. She even felt a stronger attraction to her capable mare.

"Fluttershy, my dear. You keep finding new ways for me to love you even more. Now let's give our hunk of a stallion a delectable lunch and see who he wants first for dessert."

They opened the door, distracted by their girlish giggles and making eyes at each other, not expecting the crowded bed they were walking in on.

"Oh, and finally we have the last two to finish our team," Cadance announced to the room.

Cerb raised his head from the mattress.

"Wow. I thought you two would-"

"Back down, you," Cadance ordered with a tease as she forced his head back into his pillow, under her wing. "You are still far too tense."

What was supposed to be some company left for Cerb to discuss his time in Canterlot had turned into something completely different.

Cadance was sitting on Cerb's ass, giving him a back massage. Fleetfoot and Spitfire sat on Cerb's right and left side, respectively, each massaging him from elbow to fingertips. Thunder and Rainbow were laying alongside Cerb’s legs, looking to be sound asleep.

Then, sitting in front of the bed was Cutter, holding onto Flurry, helping the foal feed Cerb pieces of fruit. The once thought to be a psycho mare was making a game out of feeding Cerb, and with another exaggerated gasp, she picked the next piece.

"I think he wants a strawberry this time. Can you give Justin a strawberry?"

Fluttershy and Rarity approached the scene, as Cerb gave an update as best he could as the piece of fruit floated to his face.

"Eye. Eye. Forehead. Eye. Nose, you're getting closer. Chin. Eye again. Way off, that's my ear. Ow-My eye was open that time.”

Getting just close enough Cerb could tilt his head to bite the berry, he finally got what Flurry was trying so hard to feed him.

“Mmm. You're getting better, Flurry."

Not the update they needed, but it was pretty cute. Particularly from Fluttershy’s perspective.

Just not as much for Rarity, a fact she was all too happy to voice.

"Justin, dear… What the shit?"

Perhaps this was a bit much that Cadance had allowed/encouraged/directed to happen.

Thankfully, Cutter knew just what to say and spoke proudly as she raised a cheery for Flurry to feed Cerb.

“Rainbow Dash and Staff Sergeant Thunder Glide, sadly, had an awful time trying to sleep last night. Post combat jitters, from what I gather. Add in Thunder’s voluntary watch standing last night and Dash being overworked from a weather mixup, Justin offered to help them relax with a back and wing massage. He said it was a small favor to repay them for their help.”

This time when the cherry got closer to Cerb, Cutter raised her left-wing to hold Flurry’s head still.

“By the way, I finally did read the report on the Everfree incident. Remarkable displays of combat and strategy. Incredibly acts of heroism from Justin as well.”

Slowly, Cutter extended her right-wing just high enough to touch the bottom of the cheery.

“That’s it, Flurry. Imagine where the cherry is, and look at Justin’s mouth and imagine the cherry going right-”

For the first time, Flurry managed to get the fruit into Cerb’s mouth on her first try, making Cutter very happy to relive this motherly experience.

“-were you want it to go. Good girl, Flurry Heart. Look how happy mommy and Justin are. Now it’s time for you to get some nom-noms.”

Shifting herself on the bed to face Cerb’s two ladies, Cutter hoisted up with a bottle that Flurry readily took to.

“So, after reading everything Justin has done, I can understand why he’s been so well taken care of.” She turned with a smirk and wink. “Although his upper half has been sadly neglected and he still shows signs of bruising on his back and... forearms?”

Fluttershy swallowed hard, trying very hard not to look guilty, but was saved by Cerb’s quick-witted bull-shittery.

“I have poor circulation in my back and most parts of my arms. Same with parts of my legs. Bruises sometimes take longer to heal on me because of it.”

Spitfire, still working on Cerb’s arm, took another look at some of the scars that covered it. What she saw only inspired her to look over her shoulder to where Cadance was massaging him. Now seemed like a perfect time to innocently ask about them.

“Those scars of yours seem pretty serious. What happened?”

A deafening silence fell over the room, save Fleetfoot pretending not to be interested in the question and still working away. At least until she noticed that Fluttershy, Rarity, and Cadance were holding their breath. Not even the happy hums from Flurry or the two sleeping mares slumbering breaths could properly remove the silence.

After a moment, it was only Cerb’s response that was enough to calm the room.

“It’s no secret that I served in my country's military. What everyone doesn't know is how bad our wars were… I got these scars from getting shot in combat. The only ponies that need to know any more than that are already aware. Not much more I need to say than that”

The atmosphere in the room had shifted enough that Fleetfoot felt like something should be said to offer up some sympathy.

"To go to battle where the enemy would shoot you in the back like that, I don't think you need to say anything more."

Slowly, Cerb lifted his head and turned it to face Fleetfoot. What he wanted to say didn't need to be said, but he figured he'd say just enough to stop any future questions.

"I never turned away from the fight. The scars on my back are exit wounds."

That should have more than done it.

From behind, without even knocking, Soarin' and Midnight returned to the room carrying a long, thin case.

"Miss Rarity, Miss Fluttershy, you missed all the discussions on training. Oh, and Cerb, I talked to the guards and they said they didn't mind loaning this out to you. I made sure it was big enough to hold your ax."

That was just as good a detour as any other for Cerb, giving him a reason to pull his hands free.

"Alright, everypony. That's enough for now. If you don't mind, I'd like to enjoy lunch with my girls, and talk some things over with them. But uh… we'll just let these two sleep for now. Also, Soarin', I owe you a drink for coming through like ya did."

Fleetfoot and Spitfire slid off the bed, and Soarin' set down the black metal case. It had been a productive morning for them, so they could walk away feeling accomplished.

Two of them more than the other.

Meanwhile, Cadance removed herself from Cerb. She fluttered off bed and glided down to reclaim her daughter.

"Thank you for keeping Flurry Heart occupied, and… how did you know to do that to help with her telekinesis?"

Cutter stood up and adjusted her wings back to something more comfortable, looking as if she was reliving some nostalgic moment.

"Raising Oven Fresh wasn’t easy in her early years. I had to get help from some fellow guards to help train her to use her magic. I was told her potential was higher than most, given how strong her existing output was. That, or her natural tolerance for holding it back was low, so it was going to make learning magic difficult to control."

That seemed reasonable enough, and with that, Cadance made her exit, leaving Cutter and the two sleeping pegasi with Fluttershy and Rarity. An arrangement Cutter was happy to have, so no sooner as the door shut, she got straight to business.

Her first target was Cerb.

"Justin, when Peter asked me if I wanted to take in six more kids, I didn't think you'd be the one to offer me this kind of trouble."

So, Rarity had missed something.

"Trouble? What trouble?"

Ever the mother, Cutter's look of disappointment was soul-crushing.

"Your stallion might have a better view on military tactics than any pony I've ever known, but he's as dense as the diamonds on your ass cheeks."

Clueless, Cerb sat up, careful not to move his leg too much or disturbing the two sleeping next to him.

"Wait, wut?"

Sadly, Cerb really was this blind, and Cutter hid her eyes behind her wings in shame.

"Gah, seriously, Justin. Spitfire and Fleetfoot obviously have their eyes on you. Even Cadance sees it. Why do you think she took your back and had them only work on your hands?"

Cutter pulled her wings back in time to see Rarity about to explode.

"Oh, do calm down, Rarity. Nothing happened. Justin did nothing to make them believe he was remotely interested in them. He was like a frightened puppy with both Cadance and me babying him. Flurry was a good distraction as well. Just like Rainbow Dash and Thunder Glide were, using up all the time Justin was willing to use his hands for."

This was looking bad, and just as Cerb was about to plead his innocence, Fluttershy’s wing was pointed in his face to silence him.

"Goddamnit," he groaned, already knowing he was in some form of hot water.

Again, Cutter controlled the conversation to keep the calm.

"Now, I know you two must be ready for blood. Luna knows I would be too if some mare tried making the moves on my stallion, but things are a bit too complicated for either of you to simply make them disappear or beat them into submission. Besides, they’re likely unaware of rutting, so I imagine their intentions are nothing like what you two have been up to."

A million questions instantly lit up over the two mare's faces, initiating Cutter to once more cut them off.

"Twilight and Oven’s told me everything. Mouths, hands, what rutting actually is. What it's like with your special somehumans. And judging by the reports of Justin’s performance in battle, I imagine he's more than even what my baby Oven's girls could handle. Nevertheless, he's committed to you, so I made sure neither of those two Wonderbolts got closer than need be with him. Not that they would have tried. They're far too timid, or wisely afraid of you both to chance it. Even Thunder Glide demolished Spitfire with Justin’s help. I could only imagine what either of you two would do after fighting alongside him."

Fluttershy took a deep breath and glared.

"I'd find out what it sounds like when a femur breaks, and wing it from there."

Feeling just as generous with dishing out some punishment, Rarity held back from her previous disdain for Thunder, looking at her now as the trusted guardian she was.

"I'm sure whatever Fluttershy leaves for me, I could stitch together for a passable pair of pajamas."

Creepily, Cutter smiled proudly, practically gleaming at the two slighted lovers.

"Oh, my Justin made a fine choice with you two."

Thoroughly confused, Rarity shook her head clear of the fashion designs of Wonderbolt hide.

"What do you mean your Justin?"

Since the tent was limited to only those essential after Cutter's fight with Ovens, it was really only Cerb that could properly explain this bit.

"Remember how it was Sniff that brought Cutter and Ovens back together? Well, Sniff, in not so many words, asked if Cutter would essentially be our surrogate mom since we're practically family and he's dating Ovens… I guess she really took it to heart."

Having that cleared up, Cutter was ready to lay out how she saw things.

"Nothing made me happier than to have my daughter back in my life the way we are now. I accept her choice in the company she keeps and how she keeps them. I can see that the likes of Peter and the rest of his adoptive family have been good for every pony involved. That extends to both of you for all the help you’ve given to help her attract Peter and help him to see the amazing wife she's going to be for him someday."

That was news Cerb hadn't heard anything about before. It also seemed out of character for his friend.

"Sniff proposed to Oven Fresh?"

Not wanting to get sidetracked, Cutter extended her wing to Cerb’s head and pressed it down, keeping her eyes locked on Fluttershy and Rarity.

"No, but he will. Now be quiet and wait until spoken to. Mommy is talking and you need to rest."

Impressed by how well Cutter could handle Cerb, Fluttershy and Rarity let her continue.

"Now listen. Something big is happening and I have no doubt that it has everything to do with Justin and his friends being here. I don’t have it all figured out just yet. There's too many moving parts, and far too many secrets being kept. Too many memories being lost."

She could see another million questions working their way to her, but she would silence them with one question.

"Would you force away every mare who had a crush on your stallion if it meant you risked forgetting how to love the way only way you two can, that put bruises on his back?"

The look of inept rage and horrific fear of loss was a clear yes from the two, and Cutter used that to end any argument.

"We need the best Equestria has to offer to ensure we find and eliminate any threat that would involve any human you take as lovers or I know claim as my own. For all our sakes, let them have their crushes in secret, but there is not one pony coming together for our team I can see your success happening without. Keep that in mind if you want to keep what you have with Justin."

Speaking of Justin, she turned back to Cerb and tapped him on the shoulder with her wing.

"Justin, mommy has everything worked out for you to take over again. Now be a dear and wake those two if you can. You have some explaining to do with your two lovely ladies."

Starting things off, Luna and Mac still seem to work well together. Perhaps not in synch perfectly, but they're getting there. At the very least, they both can enjoy how much better their sexy time gets to be while with each other/while with Kelly.

Moving onto Becky, she seems to be in a bit of a weird place. Having given up on a love life for so long, she's only now starting to see what she has missed out on, as well as what she has to work with, and who doesn't like a cute butt?

Then again, in a world without sex toys, what kind of options does she really have?

... Oh, look! Adorable distracting foals and other young creatures!

Now, I've gotten some flack for these youngsters being too chummy and acting too cute. To that, I say guilty as charged. Because between the ponies fawning over having a family again, Spike trying to be more manly, Yona always being a joy, Gallus having a group he can be chill with, and Smolder discovering that forming bonds with these other youngsters could make her a stronger dragon, they all have their reasons to get along. Their night together figuring out just how much they had in common certainly helped a lot, as well.

Down with Cerb... I really hope I got you guys with that misleading intro, and sorry if you were looking forward to a mother sexy morning scene. Guess you'll have to imagine it. Instead, what we have is Cerb still being tended to, and Cerb likely doing what he can to tempt his girls into trading sex for getting him out of what he doesn't want to do.

Although, I really did want to point out the particular dynamic between Fluttershy and Cerb. Their strong and weak sides working so well together was something I wanted to point out.

Boom! Apple Bath! Apple Butt! Apple Jack and Lumberman finally enjoying their bath time together. Add in a little playful banter between the two, and just another day in paradise for these two.

"oh, yeah... Chris and his girls are still a thing that haven't shown any signs of being controlled or contained. I swear that those mares will always be in a state of thirst.

Making the rounds, Trixie has taking on the duties of house-sitting for a guy with mares who are quickly turning out to act the same way. At least she avoided catching an eye full.

Oou! Then we get even more adorable Dinky? Talk about a bonus! Also... did one of the stranded seven just realize there is yet another seven among the Mane Six plus Starlight?

What are the odds of that?

... that pic, though.

Side note: There was a lot going on in this chapter...

Much like how Rainbow was dealing with an extra amount of weather and ended up missing out on breakfast. Missing out on breakfast meant missing out on traveling with Becky, but scoring some massage time with Cerb and get started on the future battle plans of being awesome.

Far away from that castle, Zecora and Sunburst were nerding out with each other hoping to find a cure. However, some aspects had to be pulled back. Mostly, some logic had to be thrown in to stop any unrealistic quick fixes.

Over at the hospital (Geez, this chapter is all over the place), some more research never hurt nobody. Not here at least.

It also gave AJ and Starlight a little time to get more friendly with each other. Something both were a little too busy to follow up on.

Needed more adorableness after some annoying leaders try stepping in over their younger peirs? There ya go, and you stomp those flowers, Pina!

Then we got a follow up with Sniff as Twilight finally caught up with him and... you know what happened and what's going to happen.

These mares, I tell ya.

Lastly, we catch up with some insight from Fluttershy and Rarity, followed up by the insanity that only Cerb could drum up.

WHICH!... is what led to Cutter being mother of the year!

Otherwise, I'm tired, so this is all you're getting out of me this morning. I'd write more, but you'll have to come back next week for: