"This is truly astounding. I had no idea they'd turn out so well," Celestia said as she looked at Viper and Indoraptor relaxing together in the crib.

Indominus had spent so much time holding and kissing Rainbow Dash that he had been out like a light. Scootaloo and the dinosaurs had let them sleep the rest of the night while they kept their promise in checking up on the kids. When morning rolled around, Rexy had gone off to get breakfast for his brother while the raptors flew to Canterlot to inform the Princesses. Indominus, Viper and Indoraptor had polished off the body long before Celestia and Luna had arrived and the hybrids were back in their crib, resting with full stomachs.

"Yeah, well it was a stressful process with getting him out. You were right to warn me about what could happen, Celestia," said Indominus.

"But we are sorry about the condition he has to deal with," said Luna. "You're certain there isn't anything that can help beat this illness?"

"I'm afraid not. The doctors have no idea how to treat a condition like his, but Viper has given him borrowed time and I'll try to give him the best life with it."

"How have you been handling this, Rainbow?"

"I'm trying not to think about that happening," Rainbow said as she gingerly stroked his face. The hybrid licked her hoof in response as he enjoyed the soft touch. "I just want to love him, help him grow up to be a proud hybrid dinosaur, and give him the best life possible."

"Though that's gonna be hard to do once Neighsay finds out about this. Then he'll never leave us alone."

"If he starts harassing you, just let us know and we'll put him on suspension until he cools his jets," said Luna.

"The last thing your children need is somepony like him causing them problems. When do you plan on letting Ponyville know about their birth?"

"I wasn't sure to be honest. I've just been so focused on letting you ponies know about this that I haven't had time to plan it out yet."

"Really?"

"It's true, Princesses," said Scootaloo. "He's been on edge ever since Mom's been pregnant."

"Then how about you take a few more days to relax, Indominus. You could use that time to teach your kids some skills to practice before you take them out hunting."

"You do have a point, Celestia," said Indominus.

"But we'll make sure to balance that out between living the life of a pony. We don't want them to be completely like dinosaurs, so they can't coexist with other ponies," said Rainbow.

"Agreed Mom. We don't want to hear about them going out and eating ponies for a midnight snack."

"That would give Neighsay more ammo to work with, and leverage over your family," said Luna.

"If he does show up for the presentation, he'll be on his best behavior or he'll be thrown back to his council. I'll gladly let Discord throw him back in a duffel bag."

"Why would you let that happen to a high society pony, Celestia? I thought he was highly respected amongst others, and you couldn't do anything against him."

"Only when it comes to educating ponies. Neighsay's been stepping out of line lately with all the criticism being aimed at you. He doesn't realize all the hard work you and your kind have done for Equestria, all he thinks about is ponies being the dominant race. I can only hope that he doesn't do anything drastic when he finds out about your kids."

"I wouldn't be too concerned, Princess. No pony has been crazy enough to try anything like that since Soarin's failed attempt at killing Indominus," said Rainbow. "All of Equestria saw the Immortal Worldbreaker in action, they know what it can do. Neighsay can't do diddly squat against that."

"Even so, you can't be too careful with somepony like Neighsay, Rainbow," said Luna. "He could have connections among his line of council members that-" Luna was cut off as Indominus nuzzled her face.

"You're worrying too much again, mom. Neighsay can't do anything against us, unless he wants a repeat performance of how we humiliated him in his own council chambers. Just let me worry about that when the time comes, but right now my concern is my wife, our family and our children."

Luna relaxed as she nuzzled back the hybrid she had helped, and smiled at how he had called her 'mom.' Celestia and Rainbow Dash smiled warmly at the tender exchange, and so did Viper as she opened her eyes and saw the moment too. She could see that her father had ponies that even he looked up to or turned to for help.

"I can't help being concerned about you ever since the Wonderbolt fiasco. Just let me worry for a little bit, this time around you have more than Rainbow to worry about."

"I promise you, Luna, that I'll make sure our kids can defend themselves just as well as we can."

---

During those days of relaxing, Indominus let his kids roam about the castle under his watchful eye. Rainbow accompanied them so she could stretch her legs and get some form of exercise in. The two hybrids were amazed by the massive size of their home, and it provided them with plenty of room to run and play around. Play-fighting amongst themselves was a good way for them to develop, learn and practice their hunting skills for when they would hunt live prey. Watching them fight didn't concern the parents much, because Indominus knew that Indoraptor wasn't putting any effort into it for he didn't want to hurt the pony that helped save his life. Indominus also knew that his children were safe in the comfort of the castle, but if they were to be effective hunters, they would have to face the creatures of the Everfree Forest, and so did Rainbow.

Indoraptor got to do more than just practice his hunting skills, he had the chance to meet Screwball in person. Fluttershy brought her daughter over for play dates, and Indoraptor was allowed to join the fillies in their fun, since he owed his life to them. The filly was completely fascinated by the hybrid dinosaur's unique features, and she and Viper gave him plenty of fun. He was in turn fascinated by how she could make anything appear out of nowhere with just a thought and more. Just seeing her levitating toys in the air was amazing and had Viper clapping her hooves and chirping in excitement.

Whenever Screwball had one of her magic surges and disappeared, Fluttershy would worry herself at where her daughter was hiding, but indominus told her not to be concerned. Discord was going to go find her, but his friend insisted that his children find her first. The little game of hide and seek gave both hybrids the chance to practice smelling for prey, and zeroing in on where it was. Of course, neither of them ever hurt Screwball when they found her. Instead, Indoraptor would be seen carrying them in his arms or on his back as he returned to the foyer.

Rainbow's friends also spread the word about the special presentation Indominus would be holding to the citizens of Ponyville, while T-Rex went to the dragon lands to inform Smaug. It turned out that in the time of peace since Soarin's death, Smaug had found himself a mate. A midnight blue scaled dragon named Saphira, and she was already tending to a pair of hatchlings herself. The dragon lord said he would find a way to attend the presentation, but like Indominus, the well-being and health of his mate came first.

The morning of the presentation came with every pony in Ponyville making their way to the King of Equestria's castle. They all waited beneath the immense balcony that led to the master bedroom, and were surprised by the sound of giant wings beating as Smaug descended and took up a space at the back of the crowd. The ponies weren't concerned about his presence because of the peace Indominus had made with the dragons. So the dragon lord could wait with the ponies and there was no longer any threat about anyone being attacked. Inside the bedroom, the dinosaurs, Mane Six, Spike, Princesses and Discord were all present as they looked down at the hybrids sitting in their mother's embrace.

"Aw, such cute darlings," Discord said as he held out a piece of meat of a stick for the kids to grab and bite at in Rainbow's cradle. "How have they adjusted to life in the castle, my friend?"

"They've grown quite accustomed to it. Once the presentation is over, we'll be taking Indoraptor out for his first experience in the forest."

"We decided that he'll get his hunting experience first, then when Viper is around two years old, she'll get to join in on the hunt and get her first hunt as well," said Rainbow.

"But why wait a couple years apart," asked Applejack.

"This way, Indoraptor will have the practice and experience he can pass onto Viper so she can hunt just like him," said Rainbow. "By the time he's two years old, he should be big enough to take on the manticores."

"But neither of them will go anywhere near Froggy Bottom Bog without us. They aren't big enough nor will they be big enough to take on a hydra," said Rexy.

"Which is why they'll stick by us until my son is big enough to hunt with only Viper by his side."

"I think it's a great idea, and a clever way to ensure that your children can handle what the forest has," said Celestia. "Now it's time to introduce the ponies to their prince and princess."

"Agreed. Discord, Twilight, would you two kindly do the honors?"

"It would be our pleasure," the alicorn and draconequess said together.

The doors to the bedroom opened up, and everypony and Smaug glanced in the direction of the balcony. Discord and Twilight came out onto the balcony with Indoraptor in his arms, and Viper in Twilight's hooves. They stood out over the balcony and held out the youngsters for all to see. The ponies beneath all cheered and rejoiced at the sight of the new companions that were now part of their world. Smaug had a pleasant smile on his face as his eyes took in the hybrids and their proud father behind them. Indominus locked eyes with his mentor and returned the kind smile as he nodded to the dragon lord.

---

As time went on, the hybrids started to develop different ways of living. Every morning, Indoraptor would go out with his father, big brother Rexy and the raptor squad on their hunts. Being with all of them on the hunt in the Everfree Forest, he got to see how each of them hunted when they took on their prey. Indominus would charge his prey and break it down with brute force. Tyrannosaurus would run his prey down and break its neck with a single powerful bite, while Blue and her squad mates rushed their target and overwhelmed it with combined force. By watching how his family hunted, Indoraptor learned his own unique method of how to hunt, but each method his family used always had one thing in common: ambushing.

No dinosaur ever caught their prey by just wandering around the forest and running at their prey in plain sight. All of the dinosaurs hid themselves among the foliage or brush and waited for their prey to get closer or for the right moment to charge them. Indoraptor applied this method to the smaller creatures that he could hunt, and it worked wonders for him in making his kills. When Indominus saw Indoraptor employ the ambush tactic to catch smaller animals, he was proud to see that the hybrid's claws and teeth were already effective enough to make the kill.

Viper's way of living was far different from her brother's, her days were spent growing up and playing with her mom, sister and close friend, Screwball. When Indoraptor was away with his father, Viper missed having him close and Scootaloo did her best to give her sister the attention she needed. Once the week had passed and Rainbow had gotten her strength back, she spent as much time with her daughter as possible. With hers and Scootaloo's transformed states, they could have the same kind of play fighting that Viper had with her brother. Between Screwball's amazing magical surges keeping her entertained and occupied, and her mother and sister playing with her and giving her quality attention, Viper was living an active life of her own.

Though when the dinosaurs returned from their hunts, Viper was beyond happy to see her family again. She and Indoraptor did catch-up with him teaching her some of the hunting moves and tactics he had used to make his kills. Viper did her best to mimic her brother's moves and followed his steps rather well. Rainbow and Indominus watched her match Indoraptor's steps when he walked on all fours, and when she pounced, it was so cute to see her pouncing on invisible prey. Rainbow gave Indoraptor plenty of love, care and attention too, cause she wanted her son to feel proud of his achievements and not left out while on his hunts with his father. It was certainly one giant family, but it was one that the dinosaurs were ready to handle.

Rainbow and Indominus took extra precautions to make sure that their children were not solely dependent on fresh meat. They let Indoraptor and Viper have meat from the fresh kills during their lunch time, and dinners were spent getting them used to other foods, mainly the tasty apple fritters. Just like how Rexy and Indominus had loved the delicious food when they first arrived, Indoraptor took a great liking to them as well. He was slightly more expansive on his pony food diet than his father, big brother and raptor sisters, and was willing to try other apple treats and even some fruits. Though they were mostly snacks to him since they couldn't quite curb his voracious appetite. Regardless, Rainbow and her hybrid husband were thrilled that they had managed to get their children hooked on both sides of the menu, so there wouldn't be any random killings because of surging hunger.

Sadly, Rainbow couldn't always be around to tend to her daughters and son when Wonderbolt practice resumed. It hurt her to be away from her children for so long, but during her practice sessions, Indominus would often surprise her by bringing the kids along for visits. None of the Wonderbolts minded the visits, and were more intrigued by the appearances of the young hybrids.

"He definitely takes after you, Indominus," said Misty Fly as Indoraptor curiously eyed the uniforms.

"And Viper's got her mother's eyes," said High Winds as Viper snuggled against her mother. Rainbow blushed at the comment from her fellow Wonderbolts.

"Have you taught her how to fly yet," asked Spitfire.

"We've had time to practice that a little. Remember sweetie, what mommy and big sis Scootaloo taught you?"

Rainbow flapped her wings to show Viper and the hybrid followed her mother's example. She started flapping them faster and the Wonderbolts saw her lifting her body off the ground. She was hovering off the ground by just a few feet, similar to how Scootaloo had performed when Rainbow had first taught her how to fly.

"She's gonna be a great flyer like you when she's old enough," Spitfire said as the filly touched down.

"I do try, ma'am. Now honey, mommy's gotta get back to practice, but I'll make sure to spend plenty of time with you when I get home, alright?"

Viper nodded her head in response, and then gave Rainbow a small lick on the face which caused some of the Wonderbolts to blush at the touching display. Rainbow then turned her attention to her son as he walked up to her.

"And you my strong tough son, keep being an awesome hunter out there and show those animals whose boss, just like your father." Indoraptor nodded too and nuzzled his mother in return. The hybrids waved to their mother as she took off to rejoin the Wonderbolts in their flight formation.

---

It seemed like Indominus had some sort of intuition about when Neighsay would rear his ugly head again, because just another week after the presentation, word had gotten to Canterlot and they had received yet another notice. One issue the family did have was finding somepony who could baby sit for them when they had to be called away. Fluttershy had Screwball to deal with, and Viper only made the filly's antics worse. Rarity and Spike couldn't because of her business taking up most of her time, along with all the time she and Spike had been spending together. Even Pinkie Pie was outmatched by the hybrids and couldn't handle their insane energy. Surprisingly, it was Applejack and Twilight how got to care for the kids when their parents were away.

Indominus trusted Twilight since she had defended Indoraptor from the moment he was born about him making it past his illness, and Applejack had plenty of experience from raising Applebloom. The farm girl taught Twilight everything she needed to know about handling babies since Indoraptor was so different from Spike. One important lesson was to always have patience since hybrid offspring were unpredictable. It helped Twilight handle Indoraptor's energy and the hybrid dinosaur had faint memories of her from the hospital and how she had stood up for him. Applejack had been informed of their ambush habits, so whenever they seemed to disappear she and Twilight would patiently play along with their game until they came out.

Twilight just loved seeing the hybrid so active and energetic and found his affectionate side so adorable for a dinosaur. Applejack was cradling Viper in her hooves and lulling her to sleep when she saw the warm smile on Twilight's face when she was stroking Indoraptor's face with her wings.

"Ya really care about him, don't ya."

"If you had seen how he was back at the hospital, Applejack, you'd be happy to see him so active. I'd really like to see him as a full grown adult and living a happy life," said Twilight as the dinosaur snuggled against her.

"Ya do know what the doctor said, right?"

"I know Applejack, but as long as there's hope, there's a chance for him to live past the ailment. I...I just don't want to think about what could happen otherwise." Viper seemed to sense the uneasiness from Twilight and scrambled out of Applejack's hooves before fluttering over to the alicorn. She landed on Twilight's shoulder and nuzzled against her face.

"Seems Indoraptor's not the only one to have empathy in him. Viper can literally smell the sadness in ya, sugarcube," Applejack said as she wrapped a hoof around her friend. "Maybe when he's older, his body will be tough enough to fight the ailment on its own. For now, let's focus on gettin' these two to settle down."

"You're right Applejack, and thanks for cheering me up you silly filly," Twilight said as Viper was gently teething on her ear.

---

Meanwhile, the dinosaurs were cruising through the sky on their way to confront the racist chancellor, yet again.

"For crying out loud, what does this guy have against us," Rainbow asked as they flew to Canterlot, again.

"Neighsay's never going to let up on this, Rainbow. We're gonna have to deal with him until he finally wises up," Indominus replied.

"If he ever does," said Delta as the castle came into view.

In the throne room, Celestia and Luna were listening to Neighsay going on a rant about how now there were two more hybrids were living in Equestria.

"Why does life have to be so cruel and unfair? Things were so simple back in the day, when ponies were in charge of their own homes and lives. Now we have to deal with these 'creatures' running around and contaminating our world with these heathens.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to talk badly about your protectors," Celestia said calmly.

"I've never felt protected by them. They're going to eat us one day, Celestia. Especially now that there are two more of those creatures breathing our air. Your actions will lead to our downfall, whether you believe it or not," Neighsay said to Luna.

"Beg your pardon, Neighsay, but my actions helped save Equestria and gave an innocent filly a better family. How is that going to bring Equestria's doom," Luna responded calmly, trying not to be annoyed by the chancellor's constant racism.

"It was only in their interest to kill that dragon. Next time they'll go after ponies once their food runs dry, and you'll only have yourselves to blame for allowing this to go on."

"Wow. Here I thought you'd talk to your Princesses with a little more respect," Indominus said from the doorway. Neighsay turned smugly back at the dinosaurs as they entered the room, with the Princesses still remaining composed.

"Impeccable timing, Indominus Rex," Luna said as the dinosaurs bowed to them before they turned their attention back to the unicorn that had it out for them.

"Well, you actually managed to show up on time for a change. At least our supposed 'King' can pull himself away from careless excursions to discuss matters with important ponies."

"Spare me your pitiful high and mighty concern, Neighsay. You pulled us away from one of Indoraptor's hunting lessons. More to the point, Rainbow Dash and I didn't see you at the presentation of him and Viper."

"There was a presentation? Oh do forgive me, it must've slipped my mind," Neighsay said sarcastically.

"Yes, well as slippery as your mind is," Rainbow said as she walked around Neighsay while glaring at him. "Since it was a presentation for the King of Equestria's heirs, you'd think that an important pony like yourself would be present for such an occasion."

"It's true Neighsay, we were present for the occasion," said Luna. "All the ponies of Ponyville were present, and even the dragon lord himself attended."

"So, why is it that a pony of your stature felt that it wasn't necessary to grace such a ceremony with your presence," Celestia added.

"Oh believe me I did plan to attend. Until I found out that ponies were celebrating the birth of a couple of abominations," Neighsay said to Rainbow's face. Indominus leaned down till he was beside Rainbow and staring into Neighsay's eyes with ferocity.

"Those 'abominations' are my son and daughter, and your future guardians."

"Oh I shall be sure to practice my curtsy when they're devouring every pony in sight," Neighsay said as he turned his back to the dinosaurs.

"Don't turn your back on us, Neighsay," Rexy called out.

"Oh no, animals. Perhaps you all should've thought of that before you decided to turn your backs on all of ponykind."

Neighsay opened a portal in front of him and was about to walk through it and make his exit. But he didn't get more than three steps before Tyrannosaurus and Scootaloo were in front of him, blocking the portal and roaring in his face.

"Is that a challenge, you racist waste of life," Rexy roared angrily at the chancellor.

"You really must have a death wish in mind," Scootaloo added in her transformed state.

"If that's what you really want, we'll be more than willing to oblige," Delta said angrily as she, Blue, Echo and Charlie stood on opposite sides of the unicorn, baring their teeth. Indominus and Rainbow were surprisingly not including themselves, for they didn't want to hear another word out of Neighsay's mouth.

"Temper, temper. I wouldn't dream of challenging any of you," Neighsay said coolly.

"Oh really? Why not," Celestia asked.

"Well as far as brains and magic goes, I got the unicorn's fair share, but when it comes to brute strength and raw power, I'm afraid I'm with the shallow end of the gene pool," Neighsay said before he conjured up the portal again and slipped through it.

Celestia and Luna could only sigh in disappointment at how he continued to be so negative towards the dinosaurs.

"There's one in every family, Indominus, such a shame really, and they always find a way to ruin special moments," said Celestia. Indominus also sighed in disappointment at Neighsay's continued racist attitude.

"What am I going to do with him? I was right to think that he'd despise my kids, but not to this extent."

"He's too persistent to just leave you alone," said Luna. "As long as you and your family are still around, I don't think he'll ever let up."

"Wish there was something that could be done about his racism though," said Rainbow.

"He'd make a very handsome throw rug."

"Now Blue, we can't do that to him, not yet at least," Indominus said teasingly to the velociraptor.

"But just think about it," Blue said as the family thanked the Princesses for being so tolerable and made their way out of the throne room. "Whenever he gets dirty, you could take him out and beat him." Indominus chuckled at the remark as they exited the castle and flew off towards home.

Next Chapter: Teamwork Estimated time remaining: 9 Hours, 58 Minutes