"B-B-B-B-But I don't understand. How did this happen?"

"As I told you, we found two thugs for hire breaking into the nursery and trying to kill Indoraptor."

Indominus was explaining the events of what happened overnight to the doctors. They still couldn't believe that two ponies had managed to get inside their hospital, right under their noses and nearly taken the life of a newborn baby.

"We took care of them easily enough and spent time comforting our kids. Indoraptor told me that he wanted to be close to Viper, so Blue helped him into her crib. Once they were together, she gave him a small portion of her own energy. When she did, the shaking and twitching stopped and he became so relaxed and calm. I think we helped my son get on the road to recovery by having him close to his sister."

"You are right about that, Indominus. Compared to yesterday, he looks more healthy and there are barely any missing pieces of skin," said Strongheart. "But just to be on the safe side, I would like to retake the tests to see just how much he has improved. I don't think that Viper eradicated the ailment completely, but she might've slowed its progress."

"I understand, and I think this time he'll be more cooperative." Strongheart brought out the crib that held the two sleeping hybrids and Indominus gently nudged his son to wake him up. Indoraptor was the first to stir and was glad to see his father standing in front of him and not the unknown stallions from last night. "Morning son, how're you doing?"

The hybrid carefully unwrapped himself around his sister and stretched his arms and legs. The twitching hadn't returned yet, so whatever Viper had done for him was still working. Indominus was delighted as his son stood up on his legs and didn't collapse this time.

"You've gotten your strength back, haven't you," Indominus said as Indoraptor leaped out of the crib and into his hands.

"It's quite the improvement, indeed," Strongheart said as he walked over to the hybrid dinosaurs. "Now Indoraptor, I see that you've improved a lot in just one night, but I will need to redo the tests we performed on you yesterday." Indoraptor shrank back a little in his father's hands.

"it's ok, son. They just want to see how much you've improved and see if what Viper did will stick around."

"Yes, it's merely to see how your body is holding up and if we need to take anymore steps afterwards. We won't make you do it again."

The little dinosaur still seemed uncertain about letting the ponies perform the same tests on him again. He didn't want to go through with it, and have the twitching and flaking scales return later. He looked into his father's eyes and gave him a small call. Indominus responded with his own soft call and the two hybrids were communicating in front of Strongheart and his staff. After a minute of exchanged growls and calls, Indominus looked back at the doctors.

"What did he say?"

"He said that he would let you guys do the tests, but only if I stay by his side while you do them."

"That's gonna be hard to do with the ultrasound, but I think we can make it work."

"Alright son, let's do this."

Indoraptor hopped out of his father's hands and was starting to follow them when he noticed some of the staff were taking Viper's crib away. He started calling out to make them stop, but Indominus and Strongheart calmed him down.

"Don't worry Indoraptor, they're just taking Viper over to Rainbow Dash so they can have some more time together," said Strongheart.

"After we're done here, then you'll get to see her again too." The little hybrid chirped excitedly in delight.

"Plus if the results are promising, you'll get to go home with your family today too." Now Indoraptor couldn't wait to get the tests over as he followed Strongheart and Indominus into the testing room. With more family time and getting to see his new home ahead of him, the hybrid was more than willing to go through the tests again.

Indoraptor was very cooperative during the tests, even when Indominus wasn't in the room with him. Just knowing that his father was watching over him like last night made the little hybrid feel safe. The twitching and shaking didn't return during any of the tests and thanks to his cooperation, Indoraptor was out of the test room and back with his mother and sister in only fifteen minutes. He playfully licked Rainbow's face and nuzzled her gently, which made Fluttershy blush at the cute affection. He used his tongue to tickle Viper's stomach and after he let her calm down with the giggling, he laid down beside her and nuzzled his sister. Viper gave him a small lick on the nose and it made both Rainbow and Fluttershy react in awe at the sight.

"He must really love his new sister."-

"Well from what Indominus told me about what happened last night, Fluttershy, it seems like these two had each others backs," said Rainbow while she watched her children relaxing on her bed. "He's thanking her for saving his life, in more ways than one, right Indominus?"

"Uh huh. Our son has his own guardian angel."

"And she's done quite an amazing deal for him it seems," Strongheart said as he walked back into the hospital room.

"How's he looking now compared to yesterday, doc?"

"Whatever Viper did to make the shaking stop is truly astounding, Rainbow Dash. Indoraptor's DNA has stopped unraveling and his tests all look very promising. His body has a chance to grow up and be strong after all, but I would still keep an eye on him as time goes on."

"Do you mean there's a chance this ailment could come back," Indominus asked.

"It is possible. I doubt an ailment of that caliber could be destroyed so easily. I believe that the energy Viper gave to Indoraptor merely halted the progress and the damaging effects of the ailment. Those tests also showed some of his DNA strands trying to unravel, while also fighting to remain stable. From the looks of things, that small portion of power is fighting the ailment and keeping it from affecting him again."

"So it's only a matter of time before it takes over again," said Rainbow.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. At best, if that energy holds out through his development, he might be able to live to about......eleven years at least."

"Eleven years? That's all he could live before the ailment comes back and kills him regardless?"

"I know it's not what you were hoping to hear, Indominus, but you have to understand. This is all unheard of and is a condition we've never dealt with before. The best you can do is give your son the best life possible, lots of love and happiness, then we just hope for the best."

Indominus stared bleakly at his son as if the grim reaper was looming over the small dinosaur's head, waiting to strike and take his life away. Eleven years was nowhere close to living a full life, even if Indoraptor would likely reach his full size by his seventh year. Any happiness that he would have in that time would be snuffed out and the dinosaur would have to leave behind the joys and pleasures he would discover too. But Indominus didn't give up on anyone he cared about, especially his children. He promised Strongheart that before the ailment would run its course and take his son's life, he would find a way to extinguish it. After getting the news and filling out all the necessary papers, which was strange and rather bothersome for him, Indominus got to take his son, daughter and wife home from the hospital, while Discord returned to take Fluttershy back home as well.

The two hybrids were thrilled to see the inside of their home, and even more glad that they had room to walk about and roam. Scootaloo scooped up her little sister and hugged her close as soon as Indominus walked into the castle with his wife and children in his arms.

"Are you alright Viper? Dad told me about what those rotten ponies tried to do to you and Indoraptor."

"Well those ponies won't bother us anymore, Scootaloo," said Indominus.

"Cause we crushed them and devoured their sorry hides," Rexy added.

"You were still brave to warn us about the danger that was trying to kill Indoraptor," said Charlie as she nuzzled Viper in Scootaloo's hooves.

"But Indoraptor's just as much a hero as Viper. Even with that ailment, he was still able to mangle those stallions and had the strength to throw them across the room," said Blue as she nuzzled Indoraptor. The black scaled hybrid licked her face in response.

"Let's get them upstairs, Rainbow still has to stay in bed for at least a week until she recovers."

"I don't like it, but after what I've been through I'll gladly follow the doctors orders."

"Scootaloo, get Viper into one of the pajamas that Rarity made for her, and make sure that the crib is ready for both of them."

"You got it, dad. But what about Indoraptor?" Indominus hadn't told Scootaloo about the uncertain news Strongheart had informed him on his son's 'condition.' He didn't have the heart to tell her that she would have to watch her brother grow up, only to watch him die young.

"Let him roam about the castle for a while. He had it rough last night and deserves to wander in the comfort of his new home and stretch his legs. Blue, keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't wander too far?"

"You got it, Indominus," Blue said as she made soft growls to get Indoraptor's attention. The hybrid responded with his own version of the raptor calls and followed after his Alpha sister as she led him on a tour of the castle. Charlie stuck with them so Indoraptor would have more company and know what being in a pack felt like.

Tyrannosaurus, Delta and Echo followed Indominus into the master bedroom as he laid Rainbow Dash back into her own familiar bed. Scootaloo helped Viper into the red pajamas, and they surprisingly fit perfectly. Viper fit snugly in the crib, but wasn't quite sleepy, so Scootaloo decided to keep her company by donning her transformed state again and getting in the crib with her sister. It had more than enough size to accommodate Scootaloo, and Viper could finally be up close with her transformed sister. The tiny hybrid filly placed her hoof against one of Scootaloo's and their claws gently rested alongside each other.

"That's right Viper, we're one and the same. We're family now, and you'll never be alone." Viper slowly walked up to her big sister and nuzzled her face. Scootaloo could hear her purring as she did so. "Love you too, little sister."

While Scootaloo was getting Viper to settle down, Indominus was tucking Rainbow in so she would be comfy when she passed out again. As much as he wanted to relax and settle down himself, the hybrid had a pressing matter he had to take care of.

"Is something wrong brother? You've been restless since we got back from the hospital."

"There's still things that need to be done, Rexy. I have to let some very important ponies know about what we've heard and seen."

"So what can we do to help you handle this matter?"

"Rexy, I'll need you to fly over to the Wonderbolts headquarters and have Spitfire come here herself. She's gonna need to see this in person because we have to let her know how long Rainbow's gonna be out."

"Count on it, Indominus," Tyrannosaurus said as he took his exit and left the bedroom.

"What can we do," asked Delta.

"I'd like you two to get Windy and Bow over here so they can see how their daughter's doing, and meet their new grand kids."

"Aw Indominus, we don't need to bring mom and dad here on the first day."

"But we'll have them here first so they can see our kids first, then you'll get to have some time with Spitfire before the really important ponies find out about what happened overnight."

"Who are you talking about, Indominus," asked Echo.

"I'm talking about Celestia and Luna. I'll be going to get them afterwards so I can inform them about the attempt that was made on our children's lives."

"Ah, now it makes sense. You want to get family and friends to meet the new members of our family first, and then get the important business taken care of after that."

"Exactly Delta. Because once word gets out about this, I'm sure Neighsay will have even more of a mouthful for us."

"He's got nothing on you, dad," Scootaloo said as she poked her head out of the crib. "Besides, last time he spoke out against us you smacked him all over his own turf."

"It's true stud, he's all bark and no bite."

"You two may be right, but still, you never know what a desperate beast might do."

While T-Rex and the raptors went off to tell Windy, Bow and the Wonderbolts about the additional birth Rainbow had dealt with, Indominus went out and killed a couple manticores for himself and brought one back for Blue, Delta, Indoraptor and Viper to have. Having his stomach full of meat helped calm his nerves and watching his family dine on the body of the manticore relaxed his stressed mind. Rainbow had just finished her piece of manticore meat when they heard the door knock. Viper and Indoraptor perked their heads up at the sound.

"Honey, how are you doing?"

"Hey mom, I'm fine, just still tired from everything. Come on in, the door's unlocked."

Windy and Bow walked into the room with Delta and Echo right behind them. Indominus saw Tyrannosaurus into the room as well, and he could see Spitfire standing out in the hallway away from everyone. When the Wonderbolt's eyes locked with his, he could swear that there was some kind of nervous anxiety in her eyes. She looked at him for a brief second and then glanced away with a slight blush in her face. He couldn't understand why the tough Wonderbolt that his wife looked up to was suddenly acting all shy and nervous. Indominus had no idea that Spitfire had secretly developed her own admiration for him, but it was something she would never have.

"Delta and Echo told us that things took a rather unexpected turn last night," Windy said as she stroked her daughter's mane.

"So where is the little tyke," Bow said as he looked around the room trying to spot Viper, only for her to appear on the bed on Scootaloo's back. He was about to reach out towards her when Indoraptor suddenly leaped onto the bed.

"There's the additional surprise, we call him Indoraptor," Indominus said as his son curiously looked between the two pegasi in front of him.

Windy and Bow were wide eyed at the sight of the children, their appearances were far different than what they had thought. Viper climbed off of Scootaloo's back and slowly walked closer to the edge of the bed to get a better look at the visitors. Both she and Indoraptor were intrigued by how their appearances were similar to their mother's, and when they simultaneously looked back at Rainbow Dash, she confirmed their suspicions.

"That's right kids, these are my parents and your grandparents. Say hi to your aunt Windy Whistles and uncle Bow Hoothoof."

Rainbow's parents got right up alongside the bed and when they were close enough, Indoraptor and Viper licked them on the sides of their faces.

"My you're affectionate ones, just like how your mother is whenever she and your dad get their 'alone time.'"

"Mom! Come on, not in front of the kids."

"They won't understand that until they're much older, Rainbow. They're too innocent to know what it means," Bow said as he looked over Indoraptor's features. "Your son is by far much different than you, Indominus. I can only imagine how effective of a hunter he'll be when he gets to be your age."

"Yeah, about that. There's something all of you need to know," Indominus said as the moment arrived.

"What's up dad?"

"Scootaloo, you'll want to sit down for this one," Rainbow said grimly.

The dinosaurs and ponies all took a seat around the bed and Indominus and Rainbow filled them in on everything that had happened in the course of a single day. Even though she wasn't in the room, Spitfire could still hear the details about how Indoraptor's birth had taken such a toll on Rainbow's health, and how his 'condition' meant that he most likely wouldn't live to see adulthood. After they were finished, the atmosphere in the room had become more grim and less lively.

"Are you sure there's nothing that can be done for him?"

"Viper's already given Indoraptor some borrowed time when she gave him her energy last night," Indominus said to Windy as he nuzzled Viper. "If she hadn't, then he likely would've died in that hospital overnight. Her power has given him a few more years at best, but eleven years isn't nearly long enough for him to live a full life."

"But dad, there has to be something that can be done. I don't want to have my little brother leave before I see him get his first girlfriend," Scootaloo said as she cuddled Indoraptor in her hooves. The hybrid could tell she was worried and nuzzled against her chest. The sudden affection caught Scootaloo off guard and she smiled warmly at her brother as he looked up at her. "You sure are the affectionate one, aren't you, Indoraptor?"

"Empathy. That's what Discord called it when he saw this back at the hospital. Curiosity, interest, concern, and especially loyalty. He's got some very interesting qualities for a dinosaur. I can imagine we'll see some of those traits in you as you get older too, sweetie," Rainbow said as Viper crawled into her hooves and nuzzled against her chest.

"I believe you'll find a way to help him beat this, Indominus. You've done more impossible things than this," said Bow.

"Funny, Twilight said the same thing to the doctor when Indoraptor was born. All I can do for now is hope that he'll pull through."

"Hey, now don't you let these thoughts weigh you down," Windy said as she flew up to his face. "You thought that you wouldn't be able to stop the Wonderbolts, protect your wife and get her back with them. But you did make all of that happen, you've done the impossible before, Indominus Rex. If you and Rainbow Dash can pull Equestria back together, then finding a cure for your son's condition should be a lot easier." The white scaled dinosaur breathed softly as he looked at Rainbow's mom with more reassured eyes.

"You were giving me reassuring advice back then and you're still doing it now. Rainbow is so lucky to have you two as parents."

Windy and Bow blushed at Indominus's compliment and the atmosphere in the room started to liven up again.

"And you've become a charming flatterer in the time you've spent with our daughter. But apart from all that, how long are you going to have to stay in bed, honey," Windy said as she flew back to her daughter's side.

"I'll be fine, mom. I just have to stay in bed and rest for at least another week. Giving birth to Indoraptor took a great deal out of me."

"Then I think it's time we made our way home, because it seems there's a certain acquaintance of yours that's been more worried about you than us, even if she won't admit it," Bow said as he gazed back towards the open door.

"Oh yeah, she's had a nervous look the entire way here. Make sure you calm her nerves, honey, and we'll be around if you guys need anything."

"Thanks mom," Rainbow said as her parents nuzzled the kids one more time before they flew out of the room.

"I'm surprised that you decided to wait out there and not be in here with us, Spitfire," Indominus said as he waited for the Wonderbolt to enter. Spitfire slowly made her way into the room and the dinosaurs all turned to gaze at her.

"I didn't want to get in the way of your time with your parents. Tyrannosaurus told me about what you've been through, how have you been holding up, champ?"

"The best I can, ma'am. If Indominus hadn't helped me through the process, the doctors told me that I would've died." She could see legit concern in Spitfire's eyes as she looked over Rainbow.

"Me and the other Wonderbolts would be devastated if anything happened to you," Spitfire said as she and Rainbow held hooves. Rainbow and Indominus were quite stunned to see such a tender and caring side of the hardened Wonderbolt. "You don't know how much it means to me knowing that you helped save her life again, Indominus."

"I've lost Rainbow Dash too many times, Spitfire, I'm not going to lose her anymore."

"And it's that kind of determination and loyalty that I deeply respect." Indominus could still see something strange in her eyes, almost similar to the warm glow that Rainbow Dash gave him. It baffled the hybrid dinosaur, but it was something he could deal with another time.

Spitfire's gaze drifted to the hybrid filly cuddled up in her mother's embrace.

"She's got the best of both looks from you two."

"But my son has some qualities that will shock you every time," Indominus said as he watched his son silently make his way towards Spitfire. She didn't notice Indoraptor until he nudged her to get her attention, and his appearance had Spitfire even more wide-eyed than the first time she met Indominus.

"Wow. So he's the one that took the most effort to get out," Spitfire said as Indoraptor stood up on his hind legs so he was at eye level with her.

"That's right ma'am, but he was very comforting and seemed to somewhat understand the situation after he was born," Rainbow said as Indoraptor tilted his head and kept his eyes locked on Spitfire. He could smell a mixture of his parents' scents on this particular pony, so he figured that they had spent a lot of time around her, but he didn't know the real history between them.

"So this must be part of that empathy trait you were talking about."

"Uh huh, he's quite curious and he'll be an effective hunter when he grows up."

"You do know that her parents are right, don't you?"

"About what?"

"That you'll find a way to help him. You've done the impossible before, Indominus, and this is no exception."

"I know, Spitfire. I've had everypony giving me this speech all day, and I know they're right on at least some level. But that doesn't keep my thoughts from wandering to what could happen when the time comes."

"There are some major differences though. You didn't say it WILL happen, so there is a chance for you to cure your son before this ailment runs its course."

"We're aware of that, Spitfire, but Indominus has a lot on his plate right now."

"Between dealing with the pregnancy, finding out about Indoraptor's condition, and having to stop two hit ponies from killing his kids overnight, he's had an awful lot to handle," said Rexy.

"Did you figure out who sent them?"

"Nope, I didn't give them a chance to explain. We killed them right then and there. I swore that anypony that messed with my family again would have blood on their hooves and I meant it."

"We're not even sure who could've sent them," said Blue. "It couldn't have been Neighsay because he doesn't even know about Indoraptor being born."

"It doesn't matter now, Blue. They're dead and whoever sent them won't be getting any inside info to use against us."

"Sounds like you could use some free time to unwind. Will you really have to be in bed for another week," Spitfire asked Rainbow Dash.

"I'm afraid so, ma'am. Giving birth to both of them put a lot of strain on me and used up a great deal of my energy. I couldn't even fly back home, Indominus had to carry us back here. I'll have to follow their orders if I'm going to get my full strength back and perform with you and the Wonderbolts again."

"Don't worry Rainbow, we're not performing any shows without you or Indominus. You two are our star performers, and if i'm being honest, practice just isn't the same without you." Spitfire leaned in and gently ruffled Rainbow's mane with her hoof. Scootaloo was surprised at how tender Spitfire was being with Rainbow, but remembered that the Wonderbolt had been changed for the better thanks to the battle she had survived against Indominus. "You just focus on recovering and see if you can get Indominus to relax for a while."

"Oh don't worry, I know exactly what to do to make him relax."

"Well, I guess I should be off to let the Wonderbolts know how long it'll be before we see you flying alongside us again. Oh, and Indominus?"

"Yes, Spitfire?"

"For what it's worth, I think you're gonna be a great father to your daughter and son."

"Thanks Spitfire, I need little reminders like that every now and again to know that I am doing the right thing," Indominus responded. Spitfire bowed her head to the family before she made her way out the door and back towards the compound.

"Come on Indoraptor, looks like you could use a little nap," Blue said as she let the hybrid crawl onto her back.

Indominus scooped up Viper into his arms and he and Blue carried the hybrids towards the massive crib. He carefully placed his kids beside each other and draped the blankets over them. Indoraptor and Viper snuggled together as they drifted off to sleep.

"Now all that's left is to let the princesses know about this."

"Uh uh, that can wait until tomorrow, dad," said Scootaloo. "Right now, you're going to relax with mom and enjoy yourself for a while."

"She's right, Indominus," Charlie added. "You've been going around nonstop, you need to slow down and spend some peaceful, quiet quality time with Rainbow Dash."

"It'll help you feel more relaxed too," said Rexy.

"But what abo-"

"Nope. You're not talking your way out of this one, dad," Scootaloo said as she and Rexy pushed Indominus closer to the bed.

"Come on my scaly stud. Don't tell me you don't want to feel my warm body against you, and lulling you into that state of pure bliss?"

"That is tempting, but...."

"Go on dad, you really do need this. We'll take turns keeping an eye on the kids, while you take some time to unwind and be with the pony you love most." Indominus thought about the situation for a moment before he realized that there was no getting around this. He'd been so caught up in everything that had happened, that he hadn't had the time to settle down and be with Rainbow Dash. Plus, he did in fact miss the feeling of getting to hold her close to him because of her pregnancy.

"Ok Scootaloo, you've convinced me," indominus said as he licked in face in thanking her for getting him to come to his senses.

Scootaloo and the other dinosaurs left the room as Indominus climbed into the bed and for the first time in over nine months, finally got to hold his wife again.

"Oh she was right, i definitely missed this, Rainbow."

"I'll bet you missed this too." Rainbow pressed her lips to Indominus's mouth and the hybrid felt his eyes roll back in his head from sheer delight as the feeling of her tongue playing with his was felt inside his jaws. For five minutes, Indominus just enjoyed the feeling of bliss returning to him and the warm touch of his wife's lips. When they parted for air, Rainbow had the soft bedroom eyes that Indominus loved to see.

"I've wanted to feel that again for so long."

"So, are you ready for more pleasure?"

"Yes."

"Then don't say a word and enjoy me." She licked his nose to tease him into wanting more.

"I love you so much, Rainbow Dash."

"Love you too, my hybrid stud, now kiss me." The couple locked lips again and resumed their passion. The only sounds that could barely be heard were their soft moans as the Element of Loyalty and the King of Equestria reveled in each other's love.

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