A Rainbow Pony on the Couch, Episode 9

>there were good days
>there were bad days
>some days just made you think "what the fuck"

>you were sitting with Rainbow Dash in the living room, watching television
>its now been about 5 and a half months since the pregnancy
>aside from the occasional vomiting, shes had excruciating cramps to drastic mood swings
>anger, joy, sadness, melancholy, they all varied every few days
>today was a mix of loneliness and fear...

>RD:"Anon... I'm scared..."
"Its okay, I'm here, Sweetie."
>she lies with her head on your lap
>you stroke her body tenderly, in any effort to calm her
>your hand passes over her stomach, which has now grown to that of a balloon
>it has stopped growing, however, if it did she probably couldn't walk on her own
"We're already halfway, Rainbow. We'll make it."
>she looks briefly up at you, then back to the tv
>you continue to rub her, contemplating about what else to even say
>RD:"I think... I think we need to-"
>she stops mid sentence, and gasps
>RD:"A-Anon, it kicked!"
>you remove your hand and let her scooch farther up your lap
>rolling on her back, she exposes her belly to you
>RD:"Go ahead... its okay."
"Are you sure?"
>she nods confidently
>this was the first time you've ever done this
>you place your hand slowly on her fur, and wait
>*thump*
>you gasp excitedly, and glace to your wife who was also grinning with pride
>you lean over and kiss her on the forehead
"Its going to be okay."
>she smiles, and you kiss her again
>you let her head rest back down on your lap, and go back to watching the show
>not for long though...
>*ring-riiing!* *ring-riiing!*
"Telephone, I'll get it."
>RD:"Oh, okay."
>she lifts up so you could get by
>you walk down to the hallway and pick up the receiver
"Hello?"
>TS:"Hey Anon, its Twilight. How's Rainbow doing?"
"Oh, shes alright... Shes-"
>you lower the volume of your voice
"Shes kinda in a rough spot now, but she'll be fine."
>TS:"I hope so, I'm still worried about-"
"I am too, but Turner said he found a way to help when it happens."
>a pause at the other end
"I-... I try not to dwell on it, I want to make Rainbow comfortable for most of it."
>TS:"...If there's anything I can do to help, let me know and I can arrange it."
"Thank you Twilight, but so far we can manage."
>TS:"Okay... well I guess I'll let you go."
"Yeah-, oh wait Twilight?"
>TS:"Yes?"
"...We felt it kick!"
>TS:"Eee! Really?!"
"Yeah I know!"
>TS:"Wow, that's great! Tell Rainbow I said hi and congrats."
"Mhmm, sure thing Twily."
>TS:"Okay, bye Anon."
"Goodbye Twilight."
>you hang up the phone and start walking back to the living room
>as you exit the hallway, you see her waiting on the couch
"Hey Rai-"
>*ring-riiing!* *ring-riiing!*
"Augh."
>RD:"Catching up on the gossip?"
>she chuckles, while you do a 180 and head back to the telephone and answer it
"Hello?"
>PP:*Pink party to AM, pink party to AM, do you read?*
"Hello? Pinkie, is that you?"
>PP:*Sssshh! Meet me at the park in ten minutes, its urgent! Pink party out.*
>the phone hangs up
>in bewilderment, you lay down the receiver and walk back to Rainbow
>RD:"Who was that, Anon?"
"Um, Twilight called before just checking up on you, then Pinkie called... acting weird."
>RD:"Typical Pinkie Pie."
"Anyway, she asked to meet me at the park in about ten minutes."
>RD:"Did she say why?"
>you shrug your shoulders
"I guess its important if she didn't want anyone else to hear our conversation."
>RD:"...Well just hurry back, alright?"
>a few minutes of walking and you finally reach the central park in Ponyville
>its really late in the night, and you look around for Pinkie Pie
>you spot a shady figure sitting on a bench dressed in a trench coat and a 40's style fedora
>trying to walk calmly past, the pony speaks up
>*psst, AM.*
>you freeze in your tracks, then turn to the pony
"Did-... Did you just say AM?"
>the pony lifts up the fedora and reveals your pink horse friend wearing Groucho Glasses
>PP:*Anon, its me!*
"What are you doing out here?"
>PP:*SSHH!*
*Okay, okay.*
>you whisper, and take a seat next to her
*Why did you need to see me here?*
>she looks around nervously
>PP:*This is top secret confidential information, Anon. I don't want anyone to find out about this.*
*About what?!*
>she pulls out a slip of paper from her coat pocket
>PP:*-This-.*
>you take the paper
>PP:*Use this -only- when its her time.*
*Who's time?*
>she looks around again
>PP:*Keep your voice down, there are ponies who'd -kill- for this.*
>you examine the half-folded paper closely
*Pinkie-*
>you look up, but now shes nowhere to be seen

>unlocking the front door, you walk back into your house
>all the lights were off, Rainbow must be in bed already
>you take out the paper from your pocket and unfold it
>your eyes widen
>"Anon, call me when its time. -TT."
>and underneath was his phone number
>Time Turner never gave out his number to anyone
>'Holy shit', you think to yourself
>you stick the paper back in your pocket and proceed with getting ready for bed

>now in your PJs, you slowly crawl into bed with Rainbow
>she lightly wakes up
>RD:"Mmm, hey Honey."
"Hey Sweetie."
>you peck her on the nose
>RD:"W-what did Pinkie want?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow, try to get some sleep."
>RD:"Mmh, okay. G'night."
>she rolls over, and you spoon next to her with your arm over her side
"Goodnight."

>the next morning, you and Rainbow were sitting at the dinner table drinking coffee, with the slip of paper between you
>RD:"So Pinkie just gave you his phone number?"
"Apparently so."
>you take a sip from your mug
>RD:"Why didn't he give it to you himself?"
"Well Pinkie did say there are ponies who'd kill for this information. What would you do if someone dangerous got a hold of your number?"
>RD:"Yeah, I guess you're right."
>she downs the last of her coffee
>RD:"I'm gonna get ready."
"Okay Sweetie."
>you were going with her to the movies, figured she needed something fun to do
>you take the mugs to the kitchen, and after rinsing them out you pull out the paper and look at it
>not noticing it before, you read the actual phone number out loud
"867-5309... are you serious?"
>you stuff the paper back into your pocket, but you didn't stick it down far enough
>as you turn to leave the kitchen, it falls out and onto the floor
>an eager tortoise spots it and charges forward

>RD:"Honey, you ready?"
"Yeah, coming!"
>you meet with Rainbow in the hallway
>passing the kitchen, some motion in the kitchen catches her eye
>RD:"Um Anon, what's Tank eating?"
>to your horror, its the paper with the phone number
"TANK NO!"
>you tug the paper, which tears due to the saliva still on it
>Tank gulps down the bigger half
>all that was left was the area code 599
"No, no, no , NO!"
>you slam your fists on the floor
>RD:"Bad boy Tank, BAD!"
>Tank retracts his neck and limbs inside his shell
"You get the fuck out here, turtle!"
>you spin the shell to where the neck hole faces you
>RD:"Anon, leave him be. Its too late."
>letting go of the shell, you pick yourself up and head out with your wife
>you tried as hard as you could to remember the number, but your fit of rage temporarily blocked your memory
>after you close the front door, Tank pokes his head out, and looks sadly at the floor

===

>a few hours after the movie, your and Rainbow were sitting in the park, watching other ponies and their children
"I swear it was from a song, Honey."
>RD:"Are you -sure-? Its kinda weird he would have the same phone number."
"I know it was, but I can't-fucking-remember!"
>you slam your hand against your head
>RD:"Anon!"
>Rainbow grabs your arm, stopping you
"*sigh* Sorry."
>she rubs your back, and you look glumly around the park
>little ponies were running around, climbing jungle-gyms and slides, while their parents watched or played with them
>RD:"Do you think we could come out here when he comes? Maybe we could find him some friends."
"Him?"
>RD:"I kinda think its gonna be a boy, Honey."
>you smile
"I wouldn't mind a daughter either, we'll just have to wait and see."
>you kiss Rainbow on the head, and hug her at your side
>a few minutes pass when a group of familiar friends greet you
"Hi Mister Anon! Hi Rainbow Dash!"
>AJ:"Howdy you two, whatcha doin' here at the park?"
>Applejack, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle came from the middle of the park to your bench
"Oh, nothing much. Just came back from the theater."
>Ab:"Oh, oh, what didya see?"
>RD:"Some foreign film called 'The Great Hoofencrest Resort', it was okay."
>AJ:"How are y'all with the baby? Twilight said you guys felt 'im kick!"
>RD:"Heh, it sure did."
>she rubs her stomach, and the CMC look upon her with big puppy-dog eyes
"What do you want, girls?"
>you ask cheekily
>Sc:"Do... Do you mind if we could feel?"
>RD:"Not at all, go right ahead."
>Rainbow moves her hand and the girls consecutively place their heads against her
>Sb:"*gasp!* I can hear the heartbeat!"
>Sc:"I can't!"
>Ab:"I can kinda hear it..."
>AJ:"Alright girls, that's enough."
>"Aww."
>Ab:"Sis, me and the girls are gonna go back to th' monkey bars."
>AJ:"Okay, be careful."
>Ab:"Yeah, we will!"
>Sb:"Bye Anon!"
>Sc:"Bye Rainbow Dash!"
>the CMC run off giggling to the playground
>Applejack smiles, then turns to you
>AJ:"Do ya mind if I take a rest?"
>you motion your hand to the open spot next to Rainbow, and she sits down
>AJ:"*sigh* Ah remember when Apple Bloom was born. She was the darnedest little thing. Granny Smith wouldn't stop talking about how excited I was that I was gonna be a big sister."
>you all watch as the CMC swing from the jungle-gym, laughing along with some other kids
>AJ:"Ah know it must be scary for y'all right now, bein' half-way cooked."
>you and Rainbow looked confused at her
>AJ:"Y'know, 'bun in the oven'?"
"Ohh."
>RD:"I dunno AJ, I guess I've just come to accept it."
>AJ:"What're you saying?"
>RD:"I mean, Anon and I are excited about our baby."
"Its just... we know whats going to happen when it happens."
>you rub Rainbow's hoof
>Applejack tips up her hat, and inhales
>AJ:"Ah know a similar feeling y'all are having. Sometimes when my cows are calving, there have been ones who didn't... make it. But there was nothin' we could do about it."
>RD:"Did the babies make it, at least?"
>AJ:"...Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Either way, its fate that chooses in the end."
>your wife and friend look away, then Applejack speaks up
>AJ:"But I'll tell y'all this. No matter what happens, I'm glad to have been a friend to you both."
>she quickly side hugs Rainbow, then leaps off the bench
>RD:"...AJ?"
>Applejack whistles sharply at the fillies
>AJ:"Kids! C'mon, we're goin' home!"
>Ab:"Aw sis, already?"
>she nods sternly
>the CMC line single-file and Applejack follows
>she glances back, and pulls down her hat to cover her now watery eyes
>RD:"Anon...?"
>Rainbow looks to you in concern
"Sweetie, I think we need to head home."
>RD:"But-"
>you get off of the bench, and hold out your hand
>she takes it and follows you, looking over her shoulder one last time to see her friend getting farther and farther away

===

>TS:"She said what?!"
>Twilight shouts into the phone
"I think she was telling her 'goodbye' in advance."
>TS:"What the buck, Applejack..."
>you hear her let out an angry sigh
>TS:"Look, I'll have a talk with her. Just make sure Rainbow Dash-"
"Twily, I think she already knows."
>there was an agonizing pause from both ends of the line
>you felt a tug on your shirt from behind
>lowering the receiver, you find a gloomy Rainbow Dash
>RD:"Honey, let me talk to her."
>you look back at the receiver, and tell Twilight that she wanted to speak with her
>RD:"Hey Twilight..."
>you step away to give them some privacy
>Tank was crawling down the hallway, and when he spots you he ducks into his shell
"Hey Tank, I'm sorry."
>you rub the top of his shell
>when you continue down the hall, he sticks his neck out in worry

"It was a song... but -what- song? AUGH I know this!"
>you were pacing around in your bedroom, trying desperately to remember what Time Turner's number was
"Something old, I know that. I have the tune in my head..."
>wait a minute
>tune
>iTunes!
>maybe you have that song in your library on your laptop!
>you pull out the computer from your backpack, that thing hasn't been used for months
>logging into the iTunes store, you scroll through the long list of songs
>fuck, you had amassed a shitload of songs
>looking at every title, nothing jogged your memory of the number
"Dammit, where are you...?"
>you were almost to the bottom of the page, losing hope of ever finding it
>until a certain track catches your eye
>'Tommy Tutone - Jenny'
"Wait a minute..."
>the title seemed familiar, and you play it with the speakers on high
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WTdTwcmxyo
>ecstatic, you laugh in joy as the singers rock out the number '867-5309'
>Rainbow comes running in excitedly
>RD:"Is that it!?"
"Haha, YES!"
>you and her hug each other tightly

>"Jenny, I've got your number."
>"I gotta make you mine!"
>"Jenny don't change your number."
>"867-5309"
>"867-5309"
>"867-5309~..."

===

>with a new slip of paper, you write down the number and pin it to the kitchen cork-board
"There. Now we won't lose it again."
>you stare at Tank, who now made a hasty retreat to the living room
>RD:"Anon, don't be mean."
>you were still pretty pissed of at him, but you know he didn't mean it
>sitting in your recliner, you lift up a rather heavy Dash into your lap
>RD:"Woah! E-Easy Honey."
"Did I hurt you?"
>RD:"No... sorry, just wasn't expecting it."
>she adjusts herself to a more comfortable position
>RD:"*sigh* there we go."
>you hold her to your face, and she leans in to kiss
>this moment, right now, was all that mattered
>her in your arms, with child on the way
>though the dawn of truth was over the horizon, this time with Rainbow Dash was the most important thing you had ever cared about
>RD:"Anon?"
"Yeah?"
>RD:"I've been... thinking about names..."
"What did you have in mind?"
>RD:"Well, since your name -is- short for 'anonymous', I was wondering if we could call him 'Anomaly'."
"So you want to call him -or her-, something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected?"
>RD:"...Is that what it means? Because I read it in a book and it kinda sounds the same-"
"I love it."
>Rainbow scrunches nervously
>RD:"Y-you do?"
"Hey, it fits, little Anomaly..."
>you rub her stomach gently
>RD:"He's gonna get bullied so much at school."
>she says jokingly
"Or she, we don't know yet!"
>you both chuckle, and kiss one last time
>RD:"Do you think we could camp out here tonight? Just snuggling in the chair together?"
"I think that's a great idea."
>you lean over and grab a spare blanket next to the couch
>draping it over Rainbow, she snuggles closer to you and pecks you on the cheek
"Wanna watch a movie?"
>RD:"I'd like that."
>clicking on the tv, you flick to the movie channel
>RD:"Ooh, 'Gone With The Mare'! This is a good one."
>you watch the movie far into the night, and gradually you fall asleep with Rainbow Dash

>the rumbling clash of thunder and lightning wakes you from your slumber
>it was still late at night, the rain was pattering against the window
>you watch as it slides down the glass, and look outwards to the tree next to your house
>there was something, or some pony, standing next to it
>you could barely make out the silhouette
>a flash of lightning illuminates the figure
>it wore all silver, red glaring eyes, and handles adorning the sides of its head
>the lightning fades and the figure disappears
>followed by a ginormous BOOM of thunder
>RD:"Gah?! H-Honey? ...What's wrong?"
>you stare out of the window, in a statue like state
>RD:"Anon?"
"Nothing... Just-, go back to sleep, Sweetie."
>Rainbow rests her head back down on your shoulder, and falls asleep
>you stay up for hours, staring out the window, afraid of what you just saw
>'I need to find Time Turner...'
>you think to yourself, before finally falling asleep due to fatigue

>a flash of light and roar of thunder shows the figure's red eyes staring inside from the other side of the window

===

>the next day you take Rainbow with you to Sugarcube Corner, unsure of who else would know about the figure you saw last night
>you grab a table, and flag down Pinkie who was waiting other customers
>PP:"Hey guys! What can I getcha?"
>she whips out her notepad ready to take your order
"Um, Pinkie, we need to talk."
>PP:"Oh uh, can it wait 'til my shift is over?"
>from the counter, Mrs. Cake calls out
>"Pinkie! Order up for table 3!"
>PP:"One sec guys!"
>you try to grab her attention, but she zips over to grab the platter
>RD:"Pinkie-"
>she ignores Rainbow and rushes around the shop delivering pastries
"Pinkie-"
>*zip*
>RD:"Pinkie!"
>*zip*
>you lean your head against your hand
>finally, she returns to your table with an empty tray of plates
>PP:"*phew!* Okay, so what's up?"
>you look to Rainbow, then lean in closely to Pinkie Pie and whisper in her ear
>the sound of clattering metal and breaking ceramics crashed onto the floor
>ponies around the shop jerk their faces in your direction
>PP:"Are you -sure-?"
>you nod
>she grabs you by the shoulders and stares you straight in the face
>PP:"Go home, lock your doors, cover your windows. I'll call later."
>RD:"Pink-"
>PP:"Just go! Hurry!"
>you and Rainbow leave Sugarcube Corner quickly, leaving an embarrassed Pinkie cleaning up her mess

>RD:"*pant* *pant* Anon, slow down!"
>you briskly walk faster and faster towards your house
>RD:"Anon!"
>you pick Rainbow up in your arms and run

>unlocking the door, you and Rainbow rush inside and lock it behind you
>Rainbow closes the window curtains and you lock every other door in the house
>Tank, with his propeller pack on, patrolled around the house
>you and Rainbow sit on the couch, waiting through the curfew
>finally, you hear the telephone ring and you answer
"Hello?"
>PP:"I've gotten word from TT, he said as long as you stay inside, it shouldn't bother you."
"Are you sure? I've seen him fight Cyberponies before, and it doesn't seem easy."
>PP:"That's just on the show, Nonny, they're more... -creepy-, like how you described the one last night."
"It sounds more like a stalker than a robot pony."
>PP:"Just take it from him, you'll be-"
>*CRASH*
>PP:"Nonny, what was that?"
>RD:"AAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
"RAINBOW!"
>you drop the receiver, and sprint to the living room
>now vaulting through the window, stood the metal monster
>Rainbow was desperately trying to crawl on her back away from it
>"Target identified, identity: Rainbow Dash. Affiliation with the time turner: confirmed."
>it raises its right arm, which transforms into some laser weapon
>RD:"NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!"
>you grab a potted plant off a stool, and hurl it at the Cyberpony
"LEAVE HER ALONE!"
>his head turns to you
>"Target identified, identity: Anon y. Mous."
>he marches towards you
>"Affiliation with the time turner: confirmed."
>now regretting your actions, you're backed against the wall by his laser weapon
>"You will give me the location of the communications code to the time turner."
"I-, don't know what you're talking about."
>the Cyberpony primes his laser with a mechanical whine
>"You -will- give me the code, or you will be DELETED."
>RD:"NO!"
>"You have 5 seconds to reveal the code. 5..."
"I'll never tell you."
>"4..."
>he inches the gun closer to your face
>"3..."
>a sudden buzzing noise distracts him, and from the side comes Tank's shell flying through the air
>*CLANK*
>the impact knocks the Cyberpony off his feet and fires his weapon into the ceiling
"DASH, THE STOKER!"
>you point to the fireplace, and she grabs the metal shaft with her mouth and throws it to you
>catching it, you raise it above your head, screaming a mighty battle cry, down onto the metal beast

>Time Turner and Solar Nova bash the front door open
>TT:"Anon, Rainbow, are you-"
>they see you standing over the
incapacitated Cyberpony, the metal stoker's hook jamming his right handle into the floor
>the cyborg's laser was smashed to bits underneath your foot
>TT:"-okay?"
"*huff* Yeah, we're fine..."
>SN:"You actually stopped a Cyberpony without killing it?"
>Time Turner trots towards the cyborg
>"Alert! The time turner has been located!"
>TT:"Oh no you don't!"
>he whips out his screwdriver and buzzes at the head
>the Cyberpony shuts down, with his body collapsing beneath him
>Rainbow taps the cold metallic armor with her hoof
>RD:"I-Is it dead?"
>TT:"Nope, just turned off. We'll take 'im off your hands for questioning."
>you pull the fire stoker out of the floor and the duo lift the body out of your house
>TT:"Oh, and how are you doin' Dash?"
>RD:"Besides that metal thing trying to kill my husband, fine."
>SN:"No, he means the baby, Hon."
>RD:"Oh, well we're about halfway there."
>TT:"And livin' on a prayer?"
>he chuckles
>only you got the reference, and you laughed too
>Nova and Rainbow were left confused
"What? It's a song reference."
>they both roll their eyes, and Time Turner carries the Cyberpony out the door
>SN:"Now I want to assure the both of you, this guy wasn't trying to kill -you-. He was looking for us, or Turner mostly."
>RD:"Yeah, we kinda figured."
>SN:"Oh, okay then. ...Well, take care you two."
>Nova awkwardly waves goodbye, and exits the house
>you and Rainbow watch from the door as the T.I.R.D.A.S. slowly disappears

End of part 1
=============

>you're now 9 months in
>Rainbow's been getting weak, she can barely move around the house on her own
>she tries to eat, but can barely hold down a meal without it ending up back in the toilet
>your friends came by the house often, bringing food and medicine for your sick wife
>Twilight frequently checked in, now having done more research in medical magic
>you were talking with her in the living room while Rainbow was in the bedroom
>TS:"As far as I can tell, nothing seems to be wrong with her, or the baby."
"Then why is she so sick?"
>TS:"This is, from what I can deduce, is the short phase before the baby is born. Kinda like a final preparation."
"Is there any medicine or something we could give her to ease the pain?"
>TS:"There might be more natural remedies, I wouldn't recommend something manufactured for somepony in her state."
"Hmm, maybe Fluttershy or Applejack knows something?"
>TS:"...I'd say ask Fluttershy first, I'm not too sure about Applejack..."
>the whole ordeal with Applejack a few months ago was due to her saying goodbye before it was too late, you later found out
>her friends were either angry or mortified at AJ, which only made things more tense
"But Fluttershy is all the way across town, we live closer to AJ anyway."
>TS:"*sigh* Its your call, Anon."
"Can you keep an eye on Rainbow while I'm gone?"
>TS:"Of course."
>you walk to the bedroom, and lean through the doorway
>Rainbow was fast asleep, she need all the rest she could
>you wave 'bye' to Twilight as you leave the house and head towards Sweet Apple Acres

===

>approaching the gates of the farm, you spot a large red stallion moving a cart full of apple crates
"Hey Big Mac."
>BM:"Howdy."
"Have you seen AJ?"
>BM:"In th' barn."
"Thanks."
>BM:"Eyyup."
>you walk up to the big red barn, and knock on the large wooden doors
"Hello? Applejack?"
>you slide the doors apart, and find the orange pony pulling on a rope with her teeth, while her yellow sister was in the upper deck maneuvering hay bales
>Ab:"Easy... easy..."
>AJ:*muffled* "Ah'm tryin to be easy!"
"Here, let me help."
>you take a higher position of the rope, and help Applejack heave the heavy bale to the shelf
>AJ:"*phew* Thanks, 'Non. So what brings ya here?"
"Um, Rainbow's a little under the weather, and Twilight said you might have some sort of natural remedy? Like what you use on your cows or something?"
>AJ:"...Sis, why don't you go on back to the house and ask Granny if shes got anything."
>Ab:"Okay!"
>Applebloom slides down the rope and gallops out of the barn
>AJ:"Anon, I'm gonna tell you right now, a remedy ain't gonna save her."
"...I just want to help ease the pain."
>AJ:"In the end its just gonna be a big ol' wast of time, you know that."
"AJ, I know its your honesty talking, but shes your friend. Please don't act like its happening right now."
>she sighs, then removes her hat and sets it on a hook on a post
>AJ:"Anon, what I'm about to tell you, I've never told to -anypony-, and if you so much as speak a word of it, I'll see you hanging from the tallest tree in the orchard."
>whoa, this spark of anger came from nowhere fast
>you take a step back, but keep a still face
>AJ:"...I was only a little filly when Applebloom came along. Heck, I didn't even have mah cutie mark yet. It seems like yesterday..."

>*flashback*

>AJ:"Daddy, daddy! Can I please see mama?"
>D:"N-not right now Sweetie, shes-"
>M:"AUUUGH!!!"
>D:"Oh Celestia!"
>little Applejack and Big Mac watch as their father runs into his bedroom, where his wife was having contractions
>GS:"Honey, stay with us, you need to keep pushing!"
>M:"AAAAAHHH!"

>AJ:"Do ya think shes okay, brother?"
>Big Mac, who was slightly older than her, didn't know what to say
>AJ:"Take a peak inside!"
>BM:"A-Ah don't know, AJ..."
>AJ:"Just do it ya chicken!"

>M:"AAAAH-CELESTIAAAA!!!"
>D:"Its almost here, keep going!"
>Big Mac reluctantly cracks the door open, and peeks inside
>AJ:"Whats goin' on?"
>BM:"Ssshh!"
>GS:"Just one more push-"
>BM:"Ah can't see nothin'."
>AJ:"Oh, let me look!"
>Applejack pushes Big Mac, which makes them both tumble through the door
>a shrill cry of a newborn foal rings through the room
>GS:"Its a girl!"
>D:"You hear that dear? Its a girl!"
>M:"*pant* *pant* Oh, thank C-Celestia..."
>Granny Smith hands the baby to the mother
>Applejack and Big Mac run to the bed
>AJ & BM:"Can we see 'er?! Can we see 'er?!"
>D:"Kids, let your mother hold her for a minute."
>M:"Baldwin.. don't be so harsh, come here, kids."
>they both inch their way up to their mother
>in her arms lay the newest little member of the Apple family
>AJ:"Awww she's soooo cute!"
>BM:"What're you gonna name her, mama?"
>she looks down with a smile at her newborn
>M:"I think I'll call her... Applebloom."
>GS:"Little Applebloom, that suits her, Golden."
>she raises Applebloom up to her father, which he takes in his arms
>D:"H-Howdy little Applebloom, I'm yer daddy..."
>the baby coos softly
>M:"Now Applejack, Big Macintosh, you be g-good to her..."
>AJ:"A'course mama."
>Baldwin lowers down to Applejack
>D:"Do you wanna hold her?"
>Applejack's eyes grow huge and nods yes
>D:"Be careful now."
>she grabs her sister
>AJ:"Hey little sis..."
>Big Mac, Baldwin, and Granny Smith watch admiringly
>D:"We did good, didn't we dear?"
>...
>D:"Dear?"
>...
>GS:"Golden? You asleep dearie?"
>BM:"Pa, what's wrong?"
>D:"K-Kids... g-go out in the hall for a second."
>AJ:"W-what about Applebloo-"
>D:"NOW."
>the kids see tears coming down from their father's eyes
>they step out into the hallway with their baby sister
>D:"Goldie, Goldie! Please wake up... P-please!!!"
>the door closes, muffling the sound of sobbing inside the room
>AJ:"M-Mac?"
>Applejack's big brother was tearing up too, and he starts to escort his sisters away from the room
>AJ:"Mac what the hay is goin' on?!"
>he doesn't speak
>AJ:"Mac? MAC!?"

>*flashback ends*

>AJ:"An hour later, my daddy came back to us and explained what happened. We-..."
>she struggles to finish
>AJ:"We had t-to bury her that night."
"Oh my god..."
>AJ:"If Applebloom was to know what -really- happened, she would never be the same little filly we know now."
"Applejack-"
>AJ:"Stop. I don't need your sympathy. I'm telling you this know so you know what to expect when it happens."
>she grabs her hat angrily off the post and walks out the barn
"Applejack wait!"
>you open the doors and see her outside happily talking with her family
>sly bitch has a good way of hiding her emotions
>GS:"Oh there you are, Anon. Here's some herbal tea and organic rubbing cream. I know it ain't much, but it should help Rainbow with any aches or pains."
>Applebloom brings over a small basket in her mouth, and you take it in your hand
"Thank you."
>Ab:"Ah hope she starts feelin' better, Mr. Anon!"
"Yeah, me too."
>you mutter to yourself
>walking away from the farm, you wave over your shoulder goodbye to the Apple family

>RD:"Mmm. This tea is good."
"Glad you like it, Sweetie."
>you and Rainbow sat on the couch wrapped up in a blanket together watching tv
>it was a lazy afternoon, and you both were enjoying the piece and quiet
>*knock knock knock*
"*sigh* I'll get it-"
>RD:"Actually, Honey, could I get it? I haven't gotten up in a while."
"Um... are you sure?"
>she removes the blanket and steps onto the floor
>she arches her wings backwards and stretches
>RD:"Yeah *grunt* I think so."
>she waddles slowly to the door
>*knock knock knock*
>RD:"Coming!"
>Rainbow opens the door
>RD:"Huh?"
>no one was at the door, but on the welcome mat lies a small wrapped present
>she picks it up and walks back inside to the couch
"What is it?"
>RD:"Some kind of gift..."
>she looks at the label on the box
>RD:"To Rainbow Dash and Anon. Love, Your Friends."
"I guess we should open it?"
>you help Rainbow tear away the wrapping paper, then open the cardboard box together
>*PHWEEEE!*
>a loud party horn sounded, followed by a barrage of confetti and party streamers
>RD:"Pinkie."
"Pinkie."
>a pink card flipped up from the box via spring system
>you take the card from the box and read it
"*ahem* Dear Rainbow Dash and Anon, you have been 'formally' invited to your honorary baby shower later this week at Friendship Castle. We all have special gifts for you, so don't miss out! Love, your friends Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack."
>RD:"Wow, really!?"
>she hugs you tightly, and you put the card back in the box
>RD:"Oh man, I can't wait!!!"
>she was almost bouncing with joy, but controlled herself so she wouldn't hurt the baby
>this was the happiest you've seen your wife been in a long while
>but you weren't complaining, you enjoyed every second of it

===

>later that week, you and Rainbow were at the castle with your friends at the baby shower
>even the princesses were there, including Cadence
>you both agreed to a "no hard feelings", after the incident with the spell that almost made your balls explode
>PP:"Alright everypony, who's ready for the presents?!"
>the group applauds, then Pinkie Pie searches around the room
>PP:"...Wait, where are the presents?"
>suddenly, the door bursts open with Spike and the CMC riding a cart covered in a white tarp
>Spike was playing a song on a small trumpet while the cart wheels around the room before stopping in front of the room
>S:"Mares, and Anon, we are proud to present-"
>he yanks away the tarp, which reveals a sky blue baby crib filled to the top with wrapped presents
>CMC:"Cutie Mark Crusaders baby crib builders! Yay!!!"
>the group laughs and applauds again
>RD:"Did you guys really build this?"
>the CMC nod in unison
>Ab:"It took us a good while, but she's strong and sturdy."
>Sc:"Just look at all the presents it can hold!"
>you admitted, it was an impressive craft
>TS:"Now then, lets hand out the presents."

>several gifts later, most of them baby supplies, there was one last gift inside the crib
>Twilight picks up a purple-wrapped box and hands it to you
>TS:"From me, of course."
>she chuckles
>Rainbow takes off the lid, and gasps inside
>RD:"Y-YOUR AUTOGRAPHED FLYING GOGGLES FROM THE WONDERBOLTS?!"
>TS:"Its nothing, reall-"
>she's assaulted by a death hug from Rainbow Dash
>RD:"T-that's t-the *sniff* nicest thing anypony's ever done."
>the group 'awwws' and group hug her
>RD:"Y-you guys are the best."
>AJ:"No need to thank us. You deserve it, Rainbow."
>Applejack hugs her friend the most, and for a second, you almost saw a tear roll off her face
>RD:"I just... I don't know what to say..."
>from the side of the group, Fluttershy speaks up
>FS:"Um, Rainbow, I w-was wondering. What are you going to name it? I-If its not too much to ask?"
>you and your wife smile, then both say
"Anomaly."
>Ln:"A name that means 'out of the ordinary', it suits it well."
>Cs:"Its also in unisex, marvelous choice Anon."
>RD:"I still think its a colt."
>Rainbow looks to you with a smirk
"Okay, I admit, I'm hoping for a daughter, alright?"
>everyone laughs
>R:"Well to whatever it may be, I hope it will have a wonderful future with you, Rainbow and Anon."
>TS:"Hear, hear!"
>everyone raises their drinks to Rarity's comment
>R:"We're all so proud of you, darling!"
>RD:"Yeah yeah, even though I'm-...I'm..."
>she suddenly winces, then heaves over in pain
"Rainbow?"
>RD:"AUUGH!"
"Rainbow Dash?!"
>TS:"Someone call an ambulance!"
>Pinkie Pie rushes over to a nearby telephone
>RD:"AHHH, IT HURTS!!!"
>she grasps her stomach
>R:"W-whats wrong with her?!"
"I don't know!"
>FS:"Is it the baby!?"
>RD:"AAAAAUGH!"
>AJ:"Quick, roll her on her back!"
>FS:"W-what?"
>AJ:"Just do it!"
>Fluttershy and Rarity help move Rainbow onto the floor and on her back
>AJ:"Twi, hold her legs open!"
>Twilight nods, then uses her magic to spread Rainbow's hind-legs
>Celestia yells out into the hallway
>Cs:"GUARDS, WE NEED A MEDIC!"
>AJ:"Now Rainbow, hold still."
>RD:"Whoa-whoa-whoa! Wai-OOOWWW!"
>as Applejack inspects her nether regions, two guards rush in with medical kits
>"Step aside miss, we can handle this."
>Applejack moves out of the way, and the guards get to work
>"Princess, she's not going into labor."
>TS:"What?!"
>"Its some sort of panic attack. Ma'am I need you to hold still!"
>the guard holds a small needle in his hoof, then sticks it into Rainbow's arm
>RD:"Ow! Hey! What was thhhattt foorrrr..."
>her speech slurs, then passes out
>you catch her by your side
"What did you do to her?!"
>"Relax, its just a sedative. We need to get her to the hospital!"

===

>"Good evening Ponyville, this is channel 6 news pony Write Away reporting on the sudden and tragic development of the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash, who had thought to have gone into labor with her unborn child today, was instead reported as a 'near-traumatic panic attack', as officials say. Her husband, Sir Anon y. Mous, had no comment when asked by reporters. More on the story, later tonight."

>you and your friends sit outside the hospital room where Rainbow Dash was being treated
>this was far too familiar
>after what seemed hours of waiting, the doctor steps out of the room
"How is she, doc?"
>"Shes stable, for the time being. We're still not sure what caused this panic attack, or even if this -was- a panic attack."
"What can we do?"
>"The best thing to do right now is let her rest, shes been put under at the moment to relieve her of the pain."
>TS:"Is the baby okay?"
>"Nothing out of the ordinary, but I'd recommend only a few visitors at a time when she wakes up."
"*sigh* Well, thanks doc."
>"Mhmm."
>the doctor trots away, and you and the 5 walk into the room
>Rainbow was lying in the bed, monitors and tubes hooked up to her
>a nurse was examining her, then notices the group
>"She'll be alright. For now, just let her rest."
>you nod, and the nurse leaves the room
>the heart monitor steadily beeps while the group sits around Rainbow
>you rub your sweaty palms over your face
>TS:"Hey, its going to be okay."
>she rubs your back with her wing

>you and the group wait, and wait, and wait...
>you were starting to doze off, then there was a knock at the door
"Come in."
>a young colt with a journalist's fedora with a card saying 'PRESS' stuck in the rim and a bright yellow notepad enters
>"Excuse me? I'm with the channel 6 news and I was hoping to get a status update on Mrs. Dash."
"See for yourself..."
>"My Celestia, is she alright?"
"For now, but we're still unsure of what caused her panic attack."
>he scribbles down notes
>"Uh-huh, and what of the baby?"
"Its fine, nothing happened."
>more scribbling
>"Okay... and how are -you- faring, Mr. Mous?"
>this was the first time in a while anyone asked how you were holding up
"I uh... I'm fine. Just trying to be here for my wife."
>he jots down several more lines of notes, then says goodbye and leaves
>FS:"Are you really?"
"...What?"
>FS:"Are you -really- doing fine, Anon?"
>PP:"Cause from the looks of it, you're really on the downer side of things."
>R:"I think what Pinkie Pie -meant- to say was, you don't seem that much in good spirits."
>you look in the far corner and see Applejack looking at you with a stale expression, then tips her hat down over her eyes and lean back in her chair
"...I have to be, for her."
>you all turn to Rainbow Dash, still asleep on the bed

===

>a few hours pass, and still no sign of Rainbow waking up
>how long were these sedatives supposed to last anyway?
>Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight already headed off, as it was starting to get later into the night
>Fluttershy was curled up in her chair, lightly snoozing
>Applejack was still upright, hat still tipped down
>you sat next to Rainbow's bed, holding her hoof and rubbing it softly
>the clock on the wall read 11 o'clock
>you lean over to check her once again
>no signs of consciousness
>oh god, what if she went into a coma?
>no, not now, the last thing you need to do was panic
>maybe some television would distract you
*psst* Girls, do you mind if I watch the news?*
>no reply from either of them
>you turn on the tv, but lower the volume way down
>"Good evening Ponyville, this is channel 6 with the 11 o'clock news. Our top story tonight, The Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash, in the hospital. According to our field reporter, who got an exclusive interview with Rainbow Dash's husband, Sir Anon y. Mous, states that Rainbow Dash had suffered from a quote-on-quote 'panic attack' earlier today which medical staff had to sedate her in order to stabilize her condition. Mrs. Rainbow Dash is now under care at the Ponyville hospital, expecting to make a full recovery."
>you look over to your wife
>"Along with the report, Mrs. Dash's unborn child has not been injured, says Sir Anon, and that he is doing his best to be for his beloved. This is channel 6, more news after the break."
>you click off the tv, and place the remote back on the nightstand
"Christ... what am I gonna do?"
>you unexpectedly hear a sound from behind you
>RD:"*grunt* W-where am I...?"
"Rainbow!?"
>you whip around and come to her side
>this wakes up Fluttershy, and probably just alerted Applejack
>FS:"Rainbow Dash, are you okay?"
>RD:"Y-yeah... just a bit... drowsy..."
>she tries to get out of the bed
"Hey-hey-hey... easy Sweetie, just lie back down."
>RD:"what... h-happened?"
"You're fine, you're in the hospital, everything's okay."
>FS:"Try to get some rest, everypony else will be back tomorrow, I promise."
>Rainbow smiles, then looks to her right
>RD:"Is that... Applejack?"
>the orange pony acknowledges, swiftly walks over and takes off her hat
>AJ:"...Hey Dash."
>RD:"I-I'm glad you're here."
>AJ:"Dash, can you remember anythin' that's happened?"
>Rainbow's face turns thoughtful
>RD:"I... remember the shower... then, pain... a sharp pain, from everywhere..."
>FS:"Where, exactly?"
>RD:"Uh...sides...front, back... all over really...where's everyp-pony else?"
>AJ:"Gone home, its the middle of the night now."
"Sweetie, just try to rest, you'll feel better tomorrow, okay?"
>she nods softly, and you lean over and kiss her on her cheek
>RD:"Y-you're not... leaving... right?"
"Not for the world, Rainbow Dash."
>AJ:"*sigh* I reckon we'll stay too."
>FS:"I don't mind at all."
>RD:"T-thanks guys... you're the best..."
>she drifts off to sleep, with her familiar snore
>you, Fluttershy, and Applejack, go back to your seats and one by one fall asleep

>the next day, everyone who had left the night before came back to visit Rainbow
>after catching up with her, she tries to remember what happened yesterday at the baby shower
>RD:"It just felt like, something sharp was sticking into me from all sides. It felt like it was peeling my skin off like a knife on a fruit. It was horrible!"
>R:"Oh, you poor thing..."
>TS:"Sorry we couldn't stay the night, Rainbow Dash."
>RD:"No, no, its okay. Really."
>R:"Balderdash! We're your friends and we should be here for you, dearie."
>PP:"And besides, with your littler on the way, you need more care now than ever!"
>*knock knock*
"Come in."
>the doctor walks in with his nurse
>"Morning everypony. How are you feeling, Mrs. Dash?"
>RD:"Better, thanks for asking."
>"That's good. I'll only be a minute and then you can be cleared to leave."
>you sigh with relief, and rub Rainbow's hoof while the doctor checks her vitals

>about an hour later, you push your wife along in a wheelchair while the Mane 5 follow you out of the hospital
>just as you open the front door, a blitzkrieg of cameras and reporters hammer you with questions
>Rainbow answered most of them, although there were some questions for yourself and the Mane 5
>the answers did lift some pony's spirits, which made Rainbow feel better too

===

>later at home, you invited your friends over for lunch and cooked up a big vegetarian meal and just camp out in the living room
>the soap operas here in Equestria were not as "overly-dramatic" back on Earth, they actually had a storyline and plot theme
>what -was- funny, was how Rarity swooned over the big burly hunk of a colt in "Rough Crossing"
>Spike and the CMC just went 'ech' at the tv and played outside with Tank
>you looked around the room with your friends
>you hugged your wife closely, and she leaned against your side
>all of you were still shaken by her "panic attack", but now, things weren't so bad
>Rainbow was better, surrounded by friends, and with the baby coming soon, hopefully everything will be smooth before the delivery
>...hopefully

End of part 2
==============