Chapter 159: A Wonderful Surprise
"YOU'RE WHAT!?" Apple Bloom screamed.
"Shh!" Applejack said, covering the fillies mouth as she looked outside.
It was early in the morning and Applejack was the first one who was awake, waiting for Spyro to leave the house first as he's usually up the earliest and would go to his garage to work on his projects before doing his chores, which gave her the opportunity to gather her family before Spyro would come back to get something to eat and to get his list of chores for the day.
"Ah knew it, Ah knew it!" Granny Smith said, doing a little dance of her own. "Ah thought Ah recognized some of them symptoms!"
"Wow, I can't believe it." Scootaloo said, looking at Applejack. "I can't believe I'm going to be an auntie!"
"Me either!" Apple Bloom said excitedly. "This is so exciting!"
"Ah still can't believe it myself." Applejack said, walking over to the couch and sitting down, the letter still there, though how Spyro didn't see it was a mystery. "Ah'm still waitin' for somepony to jump out and yell gotcha or somethin'. Ah don't know if Ah'm even ready yet?"
"Aw fiddlesticks Applejack, yer more than ready." Granny Smith said, walking over and sitting down next to her. "You've been takin' care of Apple Bloom since she was a filly. Ya'll stepped up and have proven yer ready."
"Ah... Ah don't know." Applejack said, putting her face into her hooves. "This is all so sudden."
"Applejack, do ya love him?" Granny Smith asked, surprisng Applejack.
"Of course Ah do." Applejack replied. "He's the first pony who I ever fell for."
"Then ya have nothing to be worried about!" Granny Smith said. "You saw how great he is with kids, he'll make a wonderful pa and you'll be a wonderful mother. Don't ya think Big Mac?"
"Yup." Big Mac replied, making Applejack smile,
"Did ya tell Spyro the news!?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Not yet, no." Applejack replied. "Ah was gonna tell him as soon as Ah he came in for breakfast."
"Well don't just outright tell him so plainly!" Granny Smith said. "Them youngin's these days get creative with letting their husband or coltfriend know they're pregnant! We should do the same!"
"But how?" Applejack asked. "What should we do?"
"Hey, how about a cake!?" Scootaloo asked. "I was on Spyro's tablet doing some research on ways people surprise others and one of the best ways ponies in his world surprised somepony else is with a cake with writting on it!"
"That's a humdinger of an idea there Scootaloo!" Granny Smith said. "He'll be tickled pink when he hears the news."
"Ya do realize that Spyro's not exactly stupid right?" Applejack asked. "Clueless, maybe, but not stupid. Doin' all of this without him knowing is goin' to be a far more difficult challenge and plannin' a surprise party for Pinkie Pie. Remember, he's half dragon, meanin' his ears and eyes are stronger than ours and he's a Force user, he'll sense everythin' before it happens."
"Ya'll just leave that to me Applejack, you get to town and tell the rest of yer friends the good news." Granny Smith said. "We'll get everythin' ready for the party!"
However, a moment later, Spyro walked in, catching everyone off guard as they quickly got up and rushed to the kitchen, passing out the food as he walked into the dinning room, but as he walked in, Spyro could sense that emotions were running high and were filled with joy and excitement, wondering what the occasion was to have such happiness in the air.
"Morning everypony." Spyro said.
"Good mornng Spyro." Granny Smith said, looking happy. "How are ya this morning?'
"I'm fine." Spyro said, already suspicious of them. He looked at them all, seeing them smiling while Applejack seemed a little nervous, not making eye contact as she usually would at breakfast. "What's going on here?"
"Oh, nothin' much." Apple Bloom replied. "Hey Spyro, think ya might have time later today to help us with findin' our cutie marks?"
"Sorry AB, not this time." Spyro replied. "Master Yen Sid needs me to do some patrolling this morning and I'll be gone for most of the day." As he said that, he was moving towards the living room, which Applejack felt her blood freeze as she remembered she didn't pick the letter up, but fortunately, he didn't see it as the wind pushed it under the couch as Spyro looked around for something. "Scoots, have you seen my Lucky Ring? Gonna need that."
"Yeah, I saw it in your garage yesterday." Scootaloo replied. "Sitting on your workbench."
"Thanks Scoots." Spyro said. He walked to the dining area, getting an apple fritter before heading out. "Try to stay out of trouble kids. And try not to break into my garage again, ok?"
The fillies smiled, watching him leave as he closed the door behind him, rushing over and making sure he was gone before reaching under the couch and getting the letter, Applejack breathing a sigh of relief as she sat down.
"That was too close." Applejack said.
"Yup." Big Mac said.
"If we're gonna be planning this surprise, we're gonna need help." Scootaloo said. "Spyro is smart and will figure out what's going on before we're ready."
"Don't worry, Ah know what'll keep him busy." Granny Smith said. "Big Mac, get started on collecting the apples and have Spyro deliver them in town, it shuld keep him busy for a while, Applejack, tell your friends and get the cake ordered. Ah'll get started on makin' some of the pies and other foods for the party."
"What about us?" Apple Bloom asked, Scootaloo looking that them.
"In case Spyro returns early, we'll need somepony to let us know if he's coming." Granny Smith replied, ruffling up her mane. "Now, we need to do this right, otherwise the surprise will be ruined. Let's do this!"
Everypony ran out of the house to do what they were assigned, Big Mac going into the acres to get some apples while Granny Smith got the stove started to get the pies going while Applejack looked at the letter, still having trouble believing that this was actually happening, but instead of fear, she felt pride and joy, putting the letter on the table before making her way out of the house and starting to town. As she walked, she passed by a few other vendors, seeing the kids run by and having fun, a warm feeling rising in her as she approached Sugarcube Corner, entering to find Pinkie and Twilight were there, the lavender unicorn with Spike purchasing some sweets.
"Morning Applejack." Twilight said.
"Howdy Twilight." Applejack said. "Howdy Pinkie."
"Hi Applejack!" Pinkie replied. "How's it going? Come to get some cupcakes?"
"Actually, is Mrs. Cake in?" Applejack asked. "Ah got a special order Ah need made."
"She's not here right now, but she'll be back later." Pinkie replied. "What can we do for you?"
"Well..." Applejack turned around, making sure no pony was coming up behind her, Pinkie and Twilight looking at one another, wondering what was going on. "Well, Ah wanted to put in an order for a special kind of cake. One that says... oh gosh."
"AJ, what is it?" Twilight asked. "You can tell us."
"Well, this is going to come as a shock, but... girls... Ah'm pregnant." Appeljack said.
As she said that, Pinkie was drinking some water, but then her cheeks blew up, spitting the water out as Twilight's mouth dropped to the floor, her magic fading as she dropped the bag into Spike's claws, who was also equally surprised, dropping the bag of sweets to the floor as they all starred at Applejack.
"AJ... that's... that's wonderful news!" Twilight said happily, running up and hugging her friend. "When did you find out!?"
"Yesterday at the train station at the Crystal Empire." Applejack replied. "The messanger there brought me a letter, giving me the news."
"This is spledniferous, sparktastic news Applejack!" Pinkie exclaimed. "We should throw a party when we tell him!"
"No, no not yet." Applejack said, confusing them. "Ah want to surprise him witht he news, throw a surprise party for him tomorrow, surprise him with the news."
"Oh, he's going to be more than surprised AJ." Twilight said. "He's going to loose his mind when he finds out. We got to tell the others, now! Get the entire herd in on it."
"In on what darling?" Rarity asked, walking in with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash right behind her.
"Girls, you are not going to believe this, but... Applejack's pregnant." Twilight said.
"WHAT!?" Rainbow Dash shouted, litterally going through the roof before falling down, Rarity and Fluttershy both shellshocked to hear the news. "No... way! Applejack, our Applejack, is going to be a mother!? Since when!? When did you find out!?"
"Yesterday in the Crystal Empire." Applejack replied. "As we were getting on the train, a messanger gave me the results. Ah... Ah couldn't believe it at first, thinking somepony would jump out and yell Gotcha or... April fools or somethin' like that. But... it's happening. This is really happening. The dizzy spells, the fatigue, everythin' that's been happenin' to me... they're all symptoms of my pregnancy."
"That explains a lot actually." Rarity said. "But regardless, this is spectacular news! Did you tell Spyro yet!?"
"No, no Ah haven't." Applejack replied. "We're plannin' a surprise party for him, giving him the news when everythin's ready tomorrow."
"Wow, wow, wow, time out there." Rainbow Dash said. "We're talking about Spyro here. Spyro, the guy who can smell an old piece of candy three miles away and feel if somepony is lying to him. Trying to plan a surprise party for him is going to be impossible."
"Not if he ain't around to find out." Applejack replied. "Granny's going to have him deliver apples tomorrow throughout town, it should keep him busy for a while. And while he's away, we can set up everythin' in peace, without anypony ruinin' the surprise."
"Well, we're going to need a lot of help to make this work." Rainbow Dash said. "He's not dumb, he'll figure it out."
"All the more reason not to say a thing." Twilight replied. "If we're quiet, and if we're careful, we can pull this off. I'll inform the princess, let her know what's going on and maybe she and Luna can help keep him busy while we get everything set up."
"But how will we get this done without him knowing?" Fluttershy asked.
Outside of the bakery while everyone was talking, Marluxia was listening in, smiling to himself as he suddenly had an idea, turning and walking around the corner as a corridor opened up in front of him, passing through as he went to tell his allies what it was that he learned. A while later, everyone was in the barn, talking about what it was they were going to do when they heard the doors open, looking to see the princesses, Shining Armor, and Zecora coming in, looking very excited as they rushed over.
"We got your letters as soon as they came!" Shining Armor said, coming over. "So is it true!? Is it really true!?"
"It is Prince Armor." Applejack said. "The tests were positive. Ah'm pregnant. The first pregnancy within the herd."
"This is exciting news Applejack!" Cadnece said. "This is amazing news! Did you tell Spyro yet?"
"No, not yet." Applejack replied. "He's out on patrol right now. Gives us time to plan what to do. Granny is going to have him deliver some apples throughout town. It should keep him busy for a while.
"Well, that might be a problem." Twilight said. "Mrs. Cake says that the cake won't be ready until tomorrow
"Shoot, there goes that idea." Applejack said. "Well, now what? Sneaking around and getting everything ready is going to be next to impossible."
"Not if we are careful about how we go about it." Twilight replied. "We just need to do some smoke and mirrors. Once he's delivered everything, we just need to find some other things for him to do while we get everything set up."
"Leave that to us AJ dear." Rarity said. "You just focus on yourself and not getting yourself worked up. Besides, you're carrying precious cargo there."
They all laughed, having a good time as they made plans to surprise Spyro tomorrow, making sure nothing was left to chance. Meanwhile with Spyro, he was in the middle of his patrol, having just reached Agrabah, but while he was on patrol, the way that the Apple Family was acting was bugging his mind, how nervous Applejack was and how she seemed to get nervous as he went into the living room, wondering what was in there thast made her so nervous. As he was setting in the coordinates for the next world, the screens popped up, Master Yen Sid contacting him again as he answered the call as his image popped up.
"Master, this is unexpected." Spyro said. "How can I help you?"
"Spyro, I have something to show you." Yen Sid said.
A moment later, the screen he was on shrunk and revealed Wonderland, which Spyro was about to dismiss, but then he watched it glow and a moment later, it was split in two, shocking Spyro as he leaned in closer.
"What in the...?" Spyro asked, clearly shocked. "How is this possible?"
"Only the power of the Prince of Light and Darkness can split a world in two." Yen Sid said, looking at Spyro.
"Hey, I have nothing to do with this." Spyro said. "That was not me."
"I believe you." Yen Sid replied. "Which means there's another prince out there."
"Wait, another one?" Spyro asked. "But how?"
"I am uncertain as to how, but I have a theory." Yen Sid replied. "Regardless, I am sending Riku and Maya to investigate this second Wonderland. I need you to look into your library, see what might have caused this and how it is possible."
"I'll see what I can dig up sir." Spyro replied. "I'm currently at Agrabah and should be done with my patrol before long. Once done, I'll look into how it's possible for a world to be split in two, creating a second copy. Can you have Riku and Maya contact me if they discovering anything?"
"Of course Spyro." Yen Sid replied. "I will contact you if there has been any further development."
The call ended and as it did, Spyro was continuing to look at the second Wonderland, finding that it was completely different, covered in mushrooms and flowers, two castles with a massive dragon like beast on a golden palace with red hearts and in the middle fo a dark forest while the other was silver, full of life and wonder. As he was looking at the world, the ship set the coordinates for the next world to continue to the patrol, still starring at the new Wonderland as many ideas went through his mind. A while later, the ponies were at the barn, helping with preparing everything for the surprise party while also coming up with plans for distracting Spyro when he delivers the pies, going over everything to make sure they had enough reasons and things to do, but they still needed to wait for the cake to get done and they needed to get the banner ready, which the princess had specially ordered, but as they were finishing up the pies, they were carrying them out when they spotted the Dragon's Crest, everyone feeling their hearts freeze when they saw it.
"He's back!" Pinkie exclaimed. "What do we do!? What do we do!?"
"Quick, everypony, hide!" Twilight exclaimed.
Everyone but Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo ran to find a place to hide, finding random spots in the barn, in the bushes, even in Spyro's garage, which Rainbow Dash and Luna were in, hiding behind some workstations as the roof opened up and the Crest was landing, setting down gently as the roof closed. A moment later, Spyro walked out of the Dragon's Crest as Rainbow Dash ducked down, Spyro heading to the terminal that Rainbow Dash was hiding behind, knowing her cover was going to be blown as he approached.
"Hey Spyro." Applejack said, getting his attention.
"Oh, hey AJ." Spyro said, Rainbow Dash zipping up into the ceiling as he walked around the terminal.
"How'd patrol go?" Applejack asked.
"Went well." Spyro said, activating the terminal. "But Master Yen Sid informed me of what just happened." Spyro pulled up the image of the two Wonderlands, catching Applejack by surprise as Luna and Rainbow Dash got out of there. "He showed me this image of Wonderland, or should I say, Wonderlands more like it."
"There's two now?" Applejack asked.
"Afraid so." Spyro replied. "Two of the same world in existence? This doesn't bode well."
"What does it mean?" Applejack asked.
"It means there is a second prince in play now." Spyro replied, surprising Applejack. "And that means trouble."
"Wait, a second Prince of Light and Darkness?" Applejack asked. "How is that possible?"
"I have no idea." Spyro replied. "But we don't know much about anything at this point. Master Yen Sid sent Riku and Maya to investigate. They'll inform me if there is anything." A moment later, he felt something outside, sensing somepony being nervous and turning to see who it was, but found nothing, his suspicions growing. "Alright, what's going on AJ?"
"What do you mean?" Applejack asked.
"AJ, you can't fool me." Spyro said, scaring her. "You guys are planning something. The question is, what are you planning?"
Applejack tried to think of something to say, knowing that they were already busted right when Granny Smith walked into the garage.
"Oh, glad to see you back Spyro." Granny Smith said. "Got something Ah need ya to do for me real quick."
"What is it Granny?" Spyro asked.
"Ah need ya to deliver some of the pies Ah made to the train station." Granny Smith said. "One of the princesses ordered some not too long ago and they're sending somepony to pick them up. Could ya go deliver them for us in the mornin'?"
"Sure, I can handle that." Spyro replied. "When does it need to be there?"
"Tomorrow morning." Granny Smith replied. "Don't be late."
"No problem granny." Spyro replied, watching her walk away. "Now AJ, back to my original-" He looked to try and get some answers from Applejack, but found that she wasn't there anymore, making him groan as he paused the world, looking to the reader. "What in the world is going on here!? I'm getting tired of everypony knowing what I don't know. And don't think I didn't notice the rainbow trail either. Something's fishy around here and I'm going to find out what is going on here, no maater what."
The world resumed as Spyro just groaned, getting back to trying to figure out how Wonderland could split in two, creating two different worlds while Applejack was taking in a deep breath, returning to the others while he was busy.
"That was way too close!" Rainbow Dash whispered.
"Indeed it was." Luna said. "He nearly saw us if Applejack hadn't come."
"Yeah, well, somepony had to save ya." Applejack said, laughing a bit.
That night, everyone was sleeping peacefully while Spyro was still awake, trying to make sense of what was going on today from the Apple Family keeping secrets from him and the sudden splitting into two different worlds, everything of that day going and not making any sense, deciding to do some research into the possibility that there was a second prince and how there could be two of the same world, yet completely different. Meanwhile, in the Nobody stronghold, Xemnas and Ansem were looking over a table when Marluxia walked over to them, a smile on his face as he looked over at them.
"You seem in relatively high spirits Marluxia." Xemnas said. "What is it that has you in such high spirits?"
"A little information that might prove beneficial." Marluxia said, continuing to smile. "You know the orange Earth Pony? The one that is apart of the Prince's so called herd?"
"We remember her." Ansem said. "You're point?"
"She's pregnant with the prince's baby." Marluxia replied, both leaders looking at one another before looking back to Marluxia. "I'm serious. She's going to have the baby of the Prince of Light and Darkness. We can go there, capture her and-"
"Marluxia, stop." Ansem said, holding up his hand. "Let me stop you there. That is a horrible idea."
"W-what?" Marluxia asked. "What do you mean?"
"If she's pregnant, and if the prince knows, if you threaten her or the unborn child, who knows what he'll do to you." Xemnas said. "His power has only grown and we are short handed as it is. We lost four members to the prince and his friends. If you antagonize him now, especially going after one of his friends, and especially one carrying his child, you're going to feel the full wrath of his rage."
"But-" Marluxia said, wanting to say more.
"No, don't." Xemnas said. "His friends are off limits until further notice. For now, we have more pressing matters than you having a vendetta against the prince. So stay here and await your next assignment."
They then turned back to the map that they were looking at originally, looking it over as they made plans for their next move, but Marluxia clenched his fist, furious with his leaders for refusing to do anything as he stormed out of the room, entering the hall while the Nobody and the Heartless looked back at him, knowing he wasn't going to let this go.
"Do you believe he'll listen to us?" Ansem asked.
"I doubt it." Xemnas replied, looking at the map. "Marluxia and Larxene are both wild cards, but they're powerful. They'll be needed. Especially for what has come up."
A moment later, the image of the new Wonderland popped up before them, peaking their interests as they looked at it. Outside, Marluxia hit the wall, yelling in frustration as he felt his blood boil, wanting to get his revenge against the prince, but being told not to was more than enough to make him want to defect again and go his own path again, hearing someone clapping as he turned around, seeing Larxene leaning against the wall with a wicked smile on her face.
"Wow, you handled that very well." Larxene said.
"Those two are mornons!" Marluxia said. "We've been doing nothing, but twiddling out thumbs for months, I come and tell them there is a chance to get at the prince, but they tell me not to go for it!? What could be more important than destroying the prince!?"
"Well, from what I heard, Wonderland has split into two seperate worlds." Larxene replied, surprising him. "They're putting their focus on them ratheer than on Equestria."
"So, what, we're giving up on it?" Marluxia asked.
"Possibly." Larxene said. "With the prince on it and how powerful he currently is, they said it's a lost cause. But... I overheard what you said and think they are passing up on a golden opportunity to get rid of him."
"I know and they're throwing a party for him on that apple farm for him." Marluxia said. "He doesn't know yet, so when he realizes it, she'll be ours and we'll use her to get to Spyro and destroy him for good!"
"Well, if they won't take the opportunity, we shall." Larxene said, getting off the wall. "Tell me, what's your plan?"
They walked away from their leaders office to discuss their plan to capture Applejack, not realizing that Demyx had overheard their conversation, knowing what they were up to as he rushed away to warn Spyro of what was coming. In the morning, Spyro was up early, though he was up a little later than usual trying to find a connection as to if there was a second prince and how it was possible for a second world to be created after splitting from the first one. He didn't have much time to think about it as he heard a knock on his door, closing the tablet down and putting it away as Granny Smith came in.
"What the heck ya still doin' in bed whipper snapper!?" Granny Smith asked.
"Sorry, sorry granny." Spyro replied, getting up. "Was doing a little research into something, unusual."
"Well, Ah'll tell ya what's unusual." Granny Smith said, walking around and pushing him. "You not doin' what yer told! Now get goin'!"
"Alright, alright!" Spyro said, getting pushed out of his room.
He walked down the stairs and saw that everyone was eating breakfast, so he went down to join them.
"Morning everypony." Spyro said.
"Mornin' Spyro!" Apple Bloom replied.
"Mornin' hun." Applejack said.
"Morning AJ." Spyro said, kissing her on the head. "You look better than you did yesterday."
"Well, Ah had a bit more on my mind than Ah thought yesterday." Applejack replied. "Anyway, the apples are ready to be delivered. You may need to get goin' before the ponies get impatient."
"Sure thing little Apple fritter." Spyro said, kissing her on the cheek.
"The list of ponies who ordered the apples are is right here." Granny Smith said, pointing at a few papers on the living room table. "Ya best get goin' before them apples go bad."
Spyro got up after grabbing a few fritters and getting some toast and picking up the papers, heading out of the house, but little did anypony realize, Spyro had knocked the letter down and picked it up, putting it at the bottom of the pile as he walked out. Once Spyro got himself hooked up, he started to walk towards town, the Apple Family looking out to make sure he was gone before they got started.
"Alright, we got some time, but it won't take him long to get them apples delivered." Applejack said. "We better get everythin' set up before he comes back."
"Don't worry AJ, if he returns, I have other things we can have him do that'll keep him away from the farm." Granny Smith said.
"OH NO!" Apple Bloom said, everyone looking at her.
"What's wrong Apple Bloom!?" Applejack asked.
"We got a problem!" Scootaloo said. "The letter was on the table and it's not here anymore!"
"Oh no." Applejack said. "Spyro must have picked it up by mistake! Now we really got to get everything set up before he reads that letter!"
"Quick, Scootaloo, get into town and tell the others what's happening before he get's back!" Granny Smith said. "We'll need their help before he get's back!"
Not waiting to be told twice, Scootaloo ran out and got her scooter, putting her helmet on before zooming into town to inform everyone else what had happened. In town, Spyro was pulling the cart full of apples into the market so that they could be sold later by the local fruit vendor, but as he was heading to the market, he noticed Twilight, but she was sneaking around, trying not to be seen by anybody, which peaked Spyro's interests as the world paused and he looked at the reader.
"Ok, this feels way to familiar if you ask me." Spyro said. "Kinda reminds me of when we were trying to throw a surprise party for Pinkie's birthday. But my birthday isn't for another few days, so it can't be that. What is Twilight up to?"
The world resumed and Spyro continued on his way, getting the cart to the market, but as he got it there, he saw that Twilight was entering Sugarcube Corner, which was the next stop he had to make, but as he approached, he heard whispering from behind the door, his curiosity getting the best of him as he pressed his ear against the door to listen in.
"Hello Twilight dear." Mrs. Cake said.
"Hello Mrs. Cake." Twilight replied. "Is Spyro here?"
"Not yet, but he should be bringing the apples I ordered any minute now." Mrs. Cake replied. "Hang on, I'll get the cake."
"Cake?" Spyro asked. "What's going on here?"
"Here you are dear." Mrs. Cake said.
"Great!" Twilight said. "And remember, if Spyro arrives, don't let on you know anything. You know how smart he is."
He then heard hoof steps and immediately took his ear off the door, getting hithed back up to pretend he had just arrived as she walked out, freezing when she saw him.
"Oh, hey Twilight." Spyro said, pretneding he had just arrived. "How's it going?"
"Oh, it's going... prety good." Twilight said, trying to act calm, but makign Spyro raise an eyebrow.
"Twilight, what's going on?" Spyro asked. "You seem... surprised that I'm here." He then looked at the box, already knowing it was a cake before looking at her. "What's with the cake?"
"Oh, uh, it's... it's... for Spike!" Twilight said, laughing nervously. "For being a good assistant."
"Didn't he already make himself a jewel cake yesterday?" Spyro asked, catching her in a lie.
"Well, would you look at the time!" Twilight said. "I better get going!"
She then zipped away as Mrs. Cake came out, getting her apples, but Spyro was looking at Twilight, his suspicions growing as to what was going on. A while later, Spyro brought the cart to Fluttershy's, who ordered some apples and prayed it wasn't for some Parasprites again as he knocked on the door to let her know he was there, Fluttershy opening the door slightly and seeing it was Spyro.
"Oh, Spyro, it's you." Fluttershy said.
"Well who were ya expecting, Princess Celestia?" Spyro asked. However, as he asked that, he could sense that she was nervous, growing more and more suspicious of what's going on. "Alright, what's going on here? Why is everyone acting like a bunch of nervous kids who stole cookies from the cookie jar?"
"N-no reason." Fluttershy replied. "Anyway, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine." Spyro replied, looking in and sensing she was hiding something, or someone.
"Who's in there?" Spyro asked. "And why do you need some apples? You better not have another Parasprite in there."
"No, no it's not a Parasprite." Fluttershy replied. "I was running low on apples and wanted to restock, that's all."
Spyro lifted an eyebrow, not fully believing Fluttershy as she was most definitely hiding something, but didn't have time to push for answers as he needed to deliver everything before the end of the day, leaving as soon as he was done with delivering the apples before walking away, Fluttershy watching him to make sure he was gone before turning, Rainbow Dash on the ceiling holding a bag with her teeth and forelegs before landing, dropping the bag to talk.
"Dude, he's really, really scary when he's using the Force." Rainbow Dash said. "I mean, he litterally knew I was here."
"It is scary how his powers work." Fluttershy said.
"But the worst part is he's already suspicious of us." Rainbow Dash said. "We need to speed this along before he finds out what we're doing."
Rainbow Dash then picked up the bags and took off, heading towards the farm to get everything set up before he got back. As Spyro was moving through town making a few more deliveries, his mind was plagued by how Fluttershy was so nervous, granted she was nervous most of the time and brushed that off, but he could tell that someone else was in her hut, making him wonder who it was and why she was hiding them as ideas raced through his head. A while later, he spotted twilight tip toing through the trees, heading to Rarity's boutique when the world paused and he looked to the reader.
"Alright, this does feel like that time we tried to throw a surprise party for Pinkie." Spyro said. "If they're doing the same thing again, is Twilight dropping off the cake to Rarity again?" Spyro looked at the lavender unicorn, his curiosity getting the best of him as he groaned. "Alright, I give. I'm going to do some investigating, but I'm not using my camoflage ability this time. Twilight is familiar with it. Besides, I want to try something new, something I've been practicing with for a while now."
The world resumed and Spyro unhitched himself and closed his eyes, his body changing until he turned into a Squirrel, chirping away as he looked back to the reader, though it couldn't be seen, he was smiling as he rushed to the tree, climbing up the tree to get over them both, looking down as Rarity came out, looking around.
"Were you followed?" Rarity asked.
"I don't think so." Twilight replied. "I made sure to wait until he made a few more deliveries before coming here. But I think he's already suspicious. AJ's right, trying to plan this thing under his nose is going to be difficult, if not impossible."
"Agreed." Rarity said. "We better be careful because he could be... wait, isn't that one of the carts from Sweet Appel Acres?"
Twilight looked at what she was looking at, finding the cart in plain sight as they both felt their skin scrawl, knowing that he was there.
"I think we should go." Twilight said, dropping the cake off. "See you later."
Rarity picked up the box and moved as quickly as possible all while Spyro was watching, getting more and more suspicious of them before he too a running start, jumping and turning into a butterfly and flying after Rarity, keeping his distance while also making sure he didn't loose her. After a while, she reached the market square, which he turned into a small Purple Martin, looking at her as Piniie popped her head out of a barrel while wearing Groucho glasses and wearing a hat, jumping out and leaning into Rarity.
"Did the pony who shouldn't know follow you agent Gemstone?" Pinkie asked.
"Pinkie, we can talk normally here." Rarity said. "And I don't think he followed me, but I did see the apple cart near my boutique. I think Spyro's on to us."
"Well, don't worry Agent Gemstone." Pinkie said. "Agent Party Animal will make sure no pony follows her."
Rarity dropped the box off, which Pinkie picked up as the fashion pony trotted away, Pinkie picking up the box, but as she was looking around, she spotted Spyro, knowing it was him as she dove straight into the barrel and her legs popped out, shuffling away like she was Sly Cooper.
"You have got to be kidding?" Spyro asked. He extended his wings and flew, pursuing the barrel until it rounded a corner, going around, but when he did, he saw dozens of more barrels, shocking him as he hovered in the air. "Seriously!? What is this, Gmod Prop Hunt?"
At the barn, everyone was getting everything ready for the surprise party, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy setting up the decorations and the banners saying 'Congratulations!' while Granny Smith, Applejack, Twilight, and Rarity were setting up the food table as the fillies brought over the punch bowl.
"Oh, isn't this exciting girls!?" Rarity said. "Applejack, our best friend Applejack, is the first int he herd to be having a baby! Oh, you're are so lucky Applejack darling!"
"Heh, Rarity, if you her feeling how Ah felt right now, ya'll wouldn't be sayin' that." Applejack said, setting down a tray of appetizers. "But Ah'm also excited as well. To be carryin' a new life, it's both excitin' and scary at the same time."
"Well Applejack, enjoy it while ya'll can." Granny Smith said. "Someday, they'll grow up to be big and strong, just like your daddy was, and will someday leave the nest."
"Oh granny." Applejack said, hugging her. "Ah'm not gonna leave ya. Ya'll been there when Ah needed ya, and Ah'll be there for you when ya'll need me."
"That is debatable now isn't it?" Marluxia asked. They all turned to the doorway and there stood Marluxia and Larxene, both smiling at them as a large number of Nobodies appeared around the barn, everyone with a Keyblade calling them while also getting in front of Applejack. "Well hello there old friends! Long time no see!"
"Marluxia." Twilight said, venom in her voice as she raised her blade. "Larxene. What are you two heartless husks doing here?"
"Husks?" Larxene asked. "Please. Husks are the weakest of our forces. We're far stronger than that. Plus, we're here to congratulate the lucky pony on carrying a brand new life, however short it maybe."
"Girls, form a circle around Applejack, like we practiced!" Twilight ordered.
The five ponies formed a circle around Applejack, wanting to protect their friend as a massive number of Creepers and Assassins appeared from the void, surrounding them as they sharpened their blades and moved around them, the ponies ready for a fight. In town, Spyro was taking some apples to Filthy Rich as he had placed in a massive order for apples for his stores, taking them to the business pony and helping him to unload them, wiping the sweat off his head as he took in a few deep breaths as he sat down.
"Thanks for helping with unloading the apples Spyro." Filthy Rich said. "It really saved me a lot of time."
"No problem Mr. Rich." Spyro replied, getting up. "Though wiht your order, I might need to head back to the farm and get more apples. Got one more page on my list of deliveries to make and..." As Spyro turned the page to see who else made a request for apples, he saw what was written, looking over the page line by line, his eyes darting from line to line as he read the entire page, feeling his heart racing as he smiled, yelling in pure joy as he did backflips, cheering so loudly that it surprised Filthy Rich, looking at what was making him so happy and when he did, he couldn't hep but smile, looking at the flipping prince as he leapt into the air and flames shot out from behind him. "I'M GOING TO BE A DAD!"
"Congratulations Spyro!" Filthy Rich said. "I know that feeling you feel and let me tell you, it is the greatest moment in anyponies life."
"I am so happy!" Spyro said, looking like he was going to burst. "I... I don't knwo what to say! I... I... oh god, I feel lightheaded."
"Heh, it's normal bud, believe me." Filthy Rich said. "The rush of adrenaline combined with the pure bliss of knowing you're going to start a family, it'll make anybody feel lightheaded."
As Spyro was enjoying the moment of knowing he was going to be a father, his bracers went off, looking at them to see there was a message from Demyx for him, so he tapped on it to see what he sent him, looking over the message as his joy turned to fear, then to horror as he continued to read, looking up as his color drained.
'Spyro, I just over heard you are going to be a dad while listening in on Marluxia. Congratulations bud, but I got some bad news. Marluxia is planning on attacking your friends and kidnap the pony whose pregnant. I don't know much after that, but you need to get to them now before anythign bad happens. Wish I had more for you bud, but they're keeping an eye on all of us in the organization and I need to keep contact on the down low. Kind of a drag really, but this was worth the risk. Good luck and, again, congratulations.'
Spyro suddenly felt his heart sink into his stomach, sensing a large number of Nobodies at Sweet Apple Acres and knowing that was where they were now, the world freezing as he looked ot the reader.
"You know back in Chapter 157 where the Author and I didn't want to break the Fourth Wall all that much?" Spyro asked, though looking calm, he was furious. "Yeah, screw the Fourth Wall."
He then punched the greyed out background, shattering it to pieces as it now was Sweet Apple Acres, surrounded by an entire army of Nobodies as they attacked the barn, but at the entrance, the ponies were giving it their all, hacking and slashing through some of the weaker Nobodies while also dodging some of the stronger ones, keeping close to Applejack as, even though she was the second strongest in the herd, she was starting to slow down, loosing steam as did everyone else, each of them getting pinned down by some of the Nobodies or knocked down before being dog piled, Marluxia approaching an exhausted Applejack as she held up her Keyblade.
"You put up good fight, I'll give you that, for a pregnant pony." Marluxia said. Applejack swung to hit, but Marluxia knocked then blade out of her muzzle before cutting her cheek, making her yell in pain as she fell to the ground, the Nobody spinning his scythe around as he approached. "But in the end, guess you weren't good enough to keep yourself, or your baby safe, now were you?"
Marluxia laughed as he raised his Scythe, Applejack curling up and covering her stomach to keep her midsection safe, but as he swung, hit hit metal, looking to see it was Spyro, the blade hitting the armor as dark smoke was coming off of him, surprising Marluxia, but when Spyro looked up, his eyes were blood red and black, making the Nobodies back away as they felt a massive amount of energy building up inside of him.
"Get away from her you filth." Spyro said, pure venom in his words as his bracers started to shake.
"So, you came all this way to save her, daddy?" Marluxia asked, taunting him. "Didn't want to see your precious little mother to be-"
Before he could finish, Spyro punched him in the chest, causing his entire rib cage to shatter and break apart, causing him to gasp in pure pain as he was sent sailing backwards, crashing through dozens of trees and straight into a massive boulder, turing it into pebbles as he was burried alive and his weapon fell to the ground. Larxene could feel her blood turn cold, watching as Spyro walked forward while his bracers were literally smoking, alarms going off as the numbers on them rose.
"Let's get one thing straight boys and girls, coming after me, that's one thing." Spyro said, his bracers smoking intensifying as he approached. "Attacking my friends, that's another story. But attacking the mare whose pregnant with my child..." The bracers then caught fire, shocking the ponies as they watched him stop while the Nobodies backed away. "Well, only have a few seconds to pray to whichever heathen god you worship, for you'll soon be having a nice day... in hell!"
The bracers then exploded as a wave of pure darkness washed over the Nobodies, destroying dozens of the weaker ones while the stronger ones, being Berserkers and Dragoons survived as a pair of red eyes appeared in the darkness as the void disappeared and a black dragon roared, turning the day sky into night as a blood red moon appeared, freakign everyone out as the dragon turned into black armor as alarms were blarring out of nowhere, Larxene's eyes wide in horror as she watched what had happened as the armor moved to Spyro.
[Unknown voice]
Warning! Warning!
This is not a test!
[Multiple Unknown Voices]
Darkness Rise!
The dragon then merged with Spyro, creating pure black armor that fitted him perfectly, blades popping out of his forelegs and across his tail, his wings rims encased as spiked shot out of the armor, the dragon's head roaring one more time as it turned into a helmet, fitting onto Spyro's head as his eyes emited blood red flames.
Perfect Darkness!
[Unknown Voice]
No chance of surviving this night!
Before them, everyone was starring at Spyro, pure black armor, spikes and blades on the limbs and on the wings, mists of pure darkness being emitted through the openings in the armor as the Oblivion Keyblade appeared, spinning it around as he glarred at Larxene, the Storming Nymph continuing to back away. Not wanting to deal with Spyro, she had the Dragoons and the Berserkers attack first, swinging their wea;ons, but they just passed through him before he just seemingly teleported behind them, which their top halves slid down as they exploded into dust, Larxene continuing to back away as he approached.
"You think you scare me?" Larxene asked, completely terrified of him. "I know your armor can't protect you from my Beskar Daggers!" She threw the daggers at Spyro, smiling at they approached, but the daggers just bounced off of him, shokcing her. "Uh... parley?"
Spyro didn't answer as he appeared right behind her and went for the punch, nailing her in the gut and making her gasp in pain, sending her flying towards the same the same rock pile that Marluxia was burried underneath, which the Nobody dug himself out to get back up and help his friend, but a second later, he got body slammed by Larxene and hit the pile of pebbles, making him yell in pain as Larxene clutched her gut.
"Get off me!" Marluxia said.
He pushed Larxene off of him and recalled his weapon to attack again, but Spyro just rushed by and locked his blade to Marluxia's scythe, Marluxia doing his best to defend himself, but with each strike from Spyro, it caused him to stagger backwards as each strike was more powerful than the last, forcing him to stagger backwards until Spyro uppercutted him, causing him to fly backwards and fall to the ground, hissing in pain as he looked up. He saw Spyro raise his blade and rolled out of the way, Spyro hitting the ground as marluxia got up, limping to Larxene as she got up.
"Something tells me we're not exactly welcome here." Larxene said.
"I hate to say it, but we're outmatched here." Marluxia said, looking at Spyro. "I think we should retreat and come up with another plan before we're turned to dust."
"Yeah, that's a good idea." Larxene replied.
A corridor opened up behind them and they rushed into it to avoid Spyro's wrath, the corridor closing behind them right as he got to where it was, taking in a deep breath and calming down as the armor disappeared. He looked over to the ponies and ran over, Applejack getting helped up as he ran up to her.
"AJ, are you ok!?" Spyro asked. "Is the baby alright!?"
"Y-you know?" Applejack asked.
"Of course I know." Spyro replied. "I saw the letter when I made the last delivery. AJ, is it true? Are you really...?"
"Yeah sugarcube, it's true." Applejack said, looking disapponted. "Ah'm pregnant. We wanted to surprise ya with a cake and everythin', but now that surprise is ruined."
"Aw AJ, i was very much surprised." Spyro said, hugging her. "When I read that letter, I was litterally doing backflips. It was one of the most happiest moments in my life."
"But how did you know we were in trouble?" Twilight asked. "Did you sense we were in danger?"
"Actually, no, I didn't sense it." Spyro replied. "At least, not until Demyx warned me about it. He overheard Marluxia and Larxene planning on attacking you girls."
"Way to go Demyx!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Way to get the cavalry to show up when we need it."
"Ah just wish that Marluxia didn't come at all." Applejack said, kicking a rock. "We wanted to really surprise you with the news and make this a joyous occasion."
"AJ, as I said, I was still surprised." Spyro said, wrapping both wings around her. "And we can still make this party work. After all, you all put a lot of work into it, might as well enjoy it."
They all walked up and got into a group hug, everyone smiling as they were all happy together when the princesses carraiges arrived, landing and rolling to a halt right at the entrance.
"Princess, you made it!" Twilight exclaimed happily.
"Well why wouldn't I make it?" Celestia asked. "Though the day turning to night was unexpected."
"It's... a long story." Spyro said, keeping one of his wings wrapped around Applejack. "Right now, we should celebrate!"
They all went inside and partied like there was no tomorrow, playing games, dancing, eating some of the party food, and having an overall good time until the night came, when everyone was returning home. As Applejack got to her room, she opened her door and to her surprise, Spyro was in there, taking his jacket off while placing his stuff on the other nightstand.
"Spyro?" Applejack asked. "What in tarnation are you doing in my room?"
"Well AJ, I just want to move in with you." Spyro said, walking up. "Be a bit closer to one of the mares I love, and closer to the one whose carrying my baby."
"Ya know we under the same roof right?" Applejack asked, smiling as he approached.
"Yeah, but I want to be a little closer to one of the mares I love." Spyro said, wrapping his neck around her. "Not it's because it's convenient, but because I truly love you and want to make sure you and the baby are safe and sound."
"Aw hun, yer such a hopeless romantic." Applejack said.
She reached up and the two of them shared a kiss, walking over and getting into bed together, Spyro wrapping his foreleg around Applejacks barrel and holding her close, the farm pony smiling at him as she closed her eyes, both going to sleep as the night went on. At the Nobody fortress, Xemnas and Ansem were finishing up making a plan for the new world when they looked over and saw Marluxia and Larxene limping to the healing chamber, already knowing what they tried to do as Vexen walked in.
"Seems they didn't listen to your orders, as usual." Vexen said.
"Their arrogance will be their own undoing." Xemnas said. "I was planning on sending Marluxia to this new Wonderland, but judging by the severity of his injuries, he won't be going any time soon."
"Then send me sir." Vexen said. "I'd be more than happy to go and explore it. I wish to conduct some research into this new world and discover how it came into existence."
Ansem and Xemnas thought it over, looking at one another when coming to a conclusion, looking back at Vexen.
"Very well then." Xemnas said. "You may go, but take great care. We're short on members as it is without you getting destroyed."
"I shall be more careful sir." Vexen said, bowing to him as he disappeared in a corridor.
As he left, Marluxia was listening in, growling in rage as he continued to the healing chamber to gte himself fixed up, swearing his revenge against Spyro and against his leaders. Meanwhile, in Equestria's future, the Dark Overlord was looking over the time stream, finding it was splitting and the old time stream was erased, replaced wth something new as a red pony with Sith eyes and a golden mane walked in, wearing black armor and looking ticked.
"Sir, I have grave news for you." The pony said.
"Speak, Crimson Spark." The Dark Overload replied.
"Midnight has betrayed us, the resistance is getting bolder, and now there are reports of somepony new attacking our forces and destroying them." Crimson Spark said. "Whoever they are, they're causing our forces great grief. And with the appearance of this new Wonderland, everyone is going wrong."
"I concur." The Dark Overlord said. "Midnight's betrayal was a surprise, but then again she was always soft hearted."
"We must move now and destroy Maya while she's on that world!" Crimson Spark said. "If we destroy her-"
"It won't make a difference." The Dark Overlord said. "What's done is done. But this new Wonderland posses a bigger threat. It must be destroyed."
"How so sir?" Crimson asked.
"Find the Keyhole and lead the heartless to it." The Dark Overlord replied. "Let them destroy that world, and we may beable to get this timeline back on track."
"It shall be done sir." Crimson Spark said, bowing to him.
He turned and started to walk away, a green portal appearing before him as he walked through, closing as soon as he was through it and leaving the Dark Overlord alone, seething in rage, yet worried as what he had seen was coming true. At Malefor's fortress, the statue was glowing as the book was open, Aphara walking in to see him reading, or what she thought to be reading, as she walked in.
"I don't understand." Apahara said. "What does makign a copy of that particular world do for us?"
"You see Aphara, we cannot fight the prince head on." Malefor replied. "He has grown more powerful than before and is only growing stronger. We need an ally who can match his power."
"Yeah, good luck with that." Aphara said. "There;s no one whose powerful enough to face him. You'd need another prince to fight him, which is impossible as they're all DEAD!"
"Is she always this optimistic?" A voice asked.
Aphara looked around to see who it was that was talking when a pair of white eyes appeared from the book, pulling itself away from the pages to look at the dragoness, shocking her.
"Aphara, this is Orion." Malefor said. "The Thirteenth Prince of Light and Darkness."
"Wait, the Thirteenth?" Aphara asked. "But how? I thought princes of old die when they pass their power along."
"Over time, they will." Orion replied. "They are no longer immortal and will age normally, but not me."
"He discovered how to keep his powers using dark magic and remain immortal, by draining the life essence of others." Malefor replied. "As such, he cannot die or be destroyed, so he was sealed away by the Fourteenth in this book using seven special locks, scattering the keys to seven worlds and hiding them."
"Which is where you come in little dragon." Orion said, bending down to her. "One of the keys is in this version of Wonderland, Jabberwocky blood."
"Go there and collect some of the blood and bring it back to us." Malefor said. "We'll fill you in on what to do next."
Aphara had a bad feeling about what was going on, looking at her master and then at the shadow, feeling cold as she looked at it, but decided to follow their instructions, a dark portal appearing behind her as she walked through it to the new world, the shadow disappearing as Malefor's statue went dark and the book closed, falling to the ground as dark laughter filled the empty room.