Raising Caroline Chapter 2

"What do you think would be a good name for her Fluttershy"?

>She doesn't respond, but continues to look at the whatever it is sleeping on your lap.

>You snap your fingers in front of her face to get her attention.

"Hello?  Fluttershy, are you there"?

>The Pegasus pony breaks from her daze to look up at you, a worried look on her face.

>She points a hoof accusingly at your lap.

>"Do you know what that thing is Anon?"

>You thought for a second before responding.

"I'm not really sure Fluttershy, but she is awfully cute".

>"It's a draconequus, like Discord".

>You turn your head to Fluttershy, careful not to disturb the sleeping draconequus on your lap.

"So, that doesn't mean little Caroline will turn out like Discord"

>"Caroline"?

"Why not, I always liked the name"

>"But it's an agent of Discord, the safe thing to do would be to hand it over to Twilight"

>The use of the word "it" gets on your nerves.

"Her name's Caroline".

>You probably said that with to much volume as fluttershy shrinks back a little bit, and you feel Caroline stir in your lap.

>"I'm sorry Anon, but Caroline can be dangerous, who know's what she is capable of"

>You calm down noticeably but are surprised to see...Caroline's head poking out from under Fluttershy's  mane?

>You look down to see your lap was empty.

>Fluttershy now seems to notice your empty lap as she quickly scan's over her room looking for the missing little Caroline

>"Where'd she go"?

>You can't help but laugh as Caroline struggles to hold onto the top of Fluttershy's head as she is swung back and forth

>Fluttershy notices your laughter and looks at you quizzically.

>"What's funny Anon".

>You can't get any words out, but just point to the top of her head.

>Fluttershy looks up moving a hoof toward where you were pointing.

>She freezes as Caroline comes into view upside down.

>A startled 'eep' escapes Fluttershy as Caroline leaps from her vantage point back into your lap.

>Caroline climbs up your chest and perches on your shoulder looking towards Fluttershy, a small forked tongue sticking out at her.

>A small smile even appears on the nervous pegasus's lips at the sight.  

>"Okay, maybe she isn't to dangerous, but we need to keep a close eye on her".

"Thanks Fluttershy, but I'll still need help raising her".

>"But of course Anon".

>What a Bro.

1/11

 

>You spend the afternoon playing with your daughter.

>From what you remember Twilight telling you about Discord, a draconequus isn't really a pet.

>Feeding her was difficult though, Fluttershy didn't have any food for Caroline, as both of you were expecting something more along the lines of a bird to hatch from the egg.

>You decide to carry little Caroline into town though, knowing Pinkie is watching the Cake twins.

>She probably has some kind of baby formula that would be perfect for Caroline.

>Placing Caroline under your jacket to keep her warm, you make your way into town.

>As you walk into town, Caroline pokes her head out the top of her jacket surveying her surroundings.

>When you get into Ponyville proper, the amount of foot traffic picks up.

>You feel other ponies eyes on you as they try to catch a better view of Caroline hiding inside your jacket.

>When you reach Sugar Cube Corner, Caroline had all but retreated into the confines of your jacket from all the stares.

>You were starting to have doubts about coming to Sugar Cube Corner, but they quickly dissolved as you got closer to the confectionery shop.

>As you open the door, a small bell chimes above your head, and you are hit with the smell of a variety of baked goods.

>Pinkie rushes to the front counter covered in flour.

"Having trouble with the Cake twins again"?

>"They're always a hoof full, what did you need Anon"?

"Well, I was hoping you could spare some baby formula, I'll pay you for what you give me".

>Pinkie gives you a questioning glance.  

>"What do you need formula for"?

"Well the egg hatched today and I w-"

>Your cut off from what you were about to say as Pinkie runs up to hug you

>"We're gonna have to throw it a party".

"HER name is Caroline, and I have her here with me".

>"Where is she"

>You go to unzip your jacket, Pinkie getting impatient to see Caroline.

>When you finally reveal her, Pinkie's expression goes from excited to confused.

>"She kind of looks like...DISCORD"

2/11

 

>You're prepared for her to get critical like Fluttershy

>Instead, Pinkie picks her up and starts talking complete nonsense to her.

>You quietly chuckle at the sight.

>Caroline although has other ideas.

>She seems mesmerized by Pinkie's mane, ignoring her baby talk completely.

>Suddenly along with the pastry smells comes a new startling smell...cotton candy?

>Caroline reaches up to pull at Pinkie's hair, taking a piece and happily chews it.

>"Hay what are-"

>She stops talking, just looking at Caroline nibbling on a piece of her hair.

>Pinkie reaches up to try a small piece for herself.

>Her eye's go wide "It tastes like cotton candy".

>As soon as it happened, Pinkie's mane returned to normal, hair growing to replace the missing bits.

"She might be more related to Discord than I previously thought".

>This should make your stay in Equestria much more interesting.  

3/11

 

>Pinkie gives a nervous chuckle looking down at the smiling Caroline.

>"I'll go get that baby formula".

>She walks off with a nervous chuckle, leaving Caroline with you.

>You're not sure how to react, on the one hand, it was harmless, and even a little cute.

>On the other, this could cause a lot of trouble.

>Pinkie comes back returning with a few bottles of formula.

>She hands them over to you as you pass her a hand full of bits.

"Hey Pinkie, do you think Caroline could have a play date with the Cake twins, maybe tomorow"

>"I'm not sure Anon, they're a handful already, introducing her might be more trouble than I could handle"

"Don't worry Pinkie, I'll be around, besides, normal interaction with other ponies will be good for her"

>Really, you're worried that Caroline could end up like Discord, maybe if she made a few friends, you can avoid that mess.

>There's still the problem with how the Princess would react.

>"I guess one play date can't hurt"

"Thanks Pinkie, I'll bring her around tomorrow"

>You walk out of Sugar Cube Corner, being sure to keep Caroline as well hidden as possible, no need to start a riot just yet.

4/11

 

>You make your way to your house on the edge of Ponyville.

>You're not fully prepared for a child, let alone a draconequus, you don't even have a spare bed.

>Guess there is no problem with you and Caroline sharing a bed for tonight.

>You'll have to go into to town to pick up a crib....Shit, you forgot all about your job.

>Luckily tomorrow is your day off, but you'll still have to give an explanation.

>You sit down on your catch ready to feed Caroline some of the baby formula.

>Placing the bottle close to her mouth, she bites on starting to drink immediately.

>Something's wrong, she releases the bottle and looks at it curiously, she seems to be concentrating.

>The contents turn red.

>You give a little taste...strawberries?

>Caroline apparently has a bit of a sweet tooth, how are you going to get her to eat her vegetables?

>You chuckle at how silly the question is while continuing to feed Carolina her strawberry flavored formula.

>Caroline seems to have her fill as she gives a small belch.

>looking at you with bleary eyes, she give a quiet yawn.

"Time for bed little Caroline".

>Caroline gives no protest as you take her up to your bed and tuck her in beside you.

5/11

 

>You wake up to the soft pitter patter of alternating hoof, claw's, and paw.

>You turn onto your back and look up at the ceiling.

>What's Caroline doing on the ceiling?

>Why is her head rotating to look at you?

>Caroline looks down at you a large smile on her face.

>D'awww how cute.

>Your sleep addled brain has trouble recognizing the danger she is in.

>Caroline is happy, what does it matter.

>You smile back up at her.

>Caroline gives a cute war cry as she lets go from your ceiling and lands on your chest.

"oof"

>Yes, Equestria will be an intersting place with Caroline around.

>You go through your morning routine getting ready for the day, bathing and eating.

>You then settle upon the task of getting Caroline ready.

>You prepare a small bath for her in the sink and place Caroline in the warm water.

>You were about to add some soap to the water when you notice bubbles forming on the waters surface.

>The water is now soapy...without you adding soap.

>Caroline starts playing with a few of the bubbles now in the shape of ducks and sailboats.

6/11

 

>You finish bathing Caroline and prepare to feed her.

>Grape flavored this morning.

"Interesting choice Caroline".

>She giggles in response.  

>You walk into town, carrying Caroline in your arms to Sugar Cube Corner.

>Like yesterday, ponies stop to stare, this time talking in small whispers, you continue on your way ignoring the peering eyes.

>You'll have to confront this issue sometime, but not today.

>Entering Sugar Cube Corner, you're greeted again by Pinkie.

"Good morning, ready for the play date".

>"As ready as I'll ever be".

>She seems a little apprehensive, but you know this will be good for Caroline.

>You follow Pinkie Pie upstairs to the baby's room.

>Seems like Pound and Pumpkin Cake are having fun already.

>You set Caroline down on the ground, prodding her to join the twins.

>She shuffles forward a little, sparing an unsure glance back towards you.

>You return a reassuring gesture, encouraging her to play with the twins.

>Seconds pass as Caroline and the twins stare at each other, each party not sure how to react.

>Pound Cake makes the first move towards Caroline, offering her a stuffed bear.

>Caroline takes it, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks.

>You look over to see Pinkie smiling at the trio.

7/11

 

>The three children start to play, the twins sharing their toys with Caroline.

>You add on to the ever growing mental list of things you need to do.

1.  Talk to Aloe and Lotus

2.  Get a crib

3.  get more formula

4.  pick up some toys for Caroline to play with

>You ask pinkie some suggestions about getting all the necessities for raising Caroline.

>Turns out she is a wealth of information, telling you all the things you need to buy, and where to buy them.

>The two of you settle into a comfortable conversation about raising ponies and draconequus'.

>Your conversation is abruptly ended by the sound of fighting.

>You look over to see Caroline and Pound Cake fighting over the stuffed bear.

>Pinkie is about to mediate the situation, but you stop her, telling her you can handle the situation.

>You quickly close the distance between you and Caroline, giving a gentle slap on Caroline's wrist.

>She drops the bear in surprise and Pound Cake walks away with his prize.

>Caroline looks up at you with hurt filled eyes, tears forming on the corner.

"No Caroline, that is not yours, you have to learn how to share"

>"You gotta care it's-"

"No Pinkie Pie, no song"

>Pinkie stumbles over being interrupted.

>You turn back to Caroline and pick her up, gently patting her head.

>You continue to reassure her that you are not mad, just disappointed, repeating all the lines your parents told you in similar situations.

>Caroline cheers up after the initial rebuke.

>You set her down, telling her to apologize to Pound Cake.

>She looks to the little pegasus colt, and then looks down abashed.

>Pound Cake smiles, giving her a small hung, Caroline blushes in response.

>You turn back to Pinkie Pie, seeing her smiling at you.

"What"?

>"Oh nothing, you just handled that very well"

>You to blush at the compliment.

8/11

 

>The trio move beyond the awkward moment and continue to enjoy the morning.  

>Suddenly the toys started to move on your own.

>At first you expected it was Pumpkin Cake, she was a unicorn after all.

>Hmmm, no glow around her horn, that can only mean...uh oh, what is Caroline doing now.

>The toys start to move into two groups, forming ranks.

>Pinkie comes to the same realization, staring open mouthed at Caroline.

>The twins take position behind one group, while Caroline stands behind the other, all three have mischievous grins on their faces.

>Valiant war cries erupt from both sides as the two groups of toys march towards each other.

>They clash in the middle in an epic battle being led by Caroline and the twins.  

>Blocks form fortifications across the impromptu battle field at various tactical positions.

>What looks like a ponified erector set arranges into various siege weapons to knock down each others fortifications.

>Paper planes even drop little pony figurines behind enemy lines in covert operations.

>30 minutes later, all the toys have been knocked down, and the trio are on their backs laughing at Caroline's antics.  

9/11

 

>You chuckle nervously, hoping Pinkie isn't put of at Caroline's display of what you can only assume to be chaos magic.

>Pinkie just smiles at the three.

>"Caroline should come by more often, it seems like the three are really hitting it of"

>You sigh in relief

"Thanks Pinkie, it means a lot knowing Caroline has made a few friends"

>"I think it's about feeding time Anon, the three look a little hungry"

>You and Pinkie head over to the still laughing trio.

>"Who's ready for lunch"

>Caroline and the twins look up expectantly at the prospect of food.

>Pinkie hands out two bottles, one blue the other pink to the twins.

>Caroline looks up to you expectantly, you shrug your shoulders.

>tears form at the corner of her eyes, no food for poor Caroline.

>The sight breaks your heart.

>You reach over her shoulder to console the sad draconequus.

"Wait, what's this"?

>You proceed to 'magically' pull a bottle from behind her head.

>Caroline looks from you to the bottle, and back to you again, red eyes wide.

>She gives a cute giggle as you hand Caroline her bottle.

>With the trio now eating you and Pinkie return to your conversation from earlier.

>Your conversation is again interrupted by small gasps from the twins.

>You look over to see Caroline has changed the contents of the bottles to chocolate milk.

>The twins go back to drinking from their bottles, excited at the change.

>Oh yes, these three will be good friends.

10/11

 

>Pinkie gives you a disapproving glance.

"What, Caroline has a bit of a sweet tooth".

>You give Pinkie a sheepish grin.

>"Does she do this to all her formula"

"Yea, but she changes up the flavor"

>The trio finish their lunch in amiable silence.

>"I better go put them down for there nap"

"Thanks Pinkie, can you handle it from here, I need to go take care of a few things"?

>Pinkie gives you an unsure glance before looking back at Caroline.

"Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can".

>"Okay, just hurry back"

>You nod and walk over to Caroline, kneeling down to get at eye level.

"Sweetie, Daddy has to leave for a little while, but I'll be back soon, in the mean time, Auntie Pinkie is in charge, got that"

>Caroline just stares at you, unsure of what is going on.

>You pat your head and turn to leave.

>Before you are able to open the door, you feel a small weight on your leg.

>You look down to see Caroline giving you a sad look.

>You look back up to Pinkie who is giving you a small smile

"I guess I better go put her to sleep then"

>The next couple of minutes are spent getting the trio into a crib and reading them a small story.

>Before you know it, the three of them are curled up, asleep.

11/11