>You awake with a start, finding the room to still be almost pitch-black, the faint glow of the stars and moon providing the only illumination
>Looking over to your side, you spot nothing but empty, untidy bedsheets
>You think it strange that Butterscotch would already be awake at this hour
>Though, you're not exactly sure what 'this hour' even is
>Straining your eyes in the darkness, you try to read the clock on the wall to no avail
"Butterscotch?"
>Your whispered call to the night goes unanswered
"Butters!"
>Still, only silence greets you
>Worriedly, you climb out of bed
>Cracking your bedroom door open, you notice a faint stream of light emerging from below the bathroom door
>You trot towards the crack of light before gingerly knocking
"Butters? Are you in there?"
>"Yes, I'm here," you hear him answer. "Wait, hold on! Get down from there! Please...?"
>It seems Butterscotch isn't talking to you, as you hear a childlike giggle sound out from behind the door immediately afterward
>Then, a crash, followed by a panicked scream
>You force the door open just in time to see Butterscotch's head connect with the edge of the bathroom countertop as he slips on the tiles
>He falls to the ground in a yellow and pink heap, a spot of red slowly growing from behind his mane and pooling upon the floor
>Looking up, you see a tiny pegasus foal circling above
>You can only assume that this is the source of the youthful laughter from before, though it has since fallen silent
>Instead, the young one looks with innocent curiosity at the crumpled pile of pegasus below, tilting its head as it floats down to the ground
>The foal pokes Butterscotch in his ribs. "Dadda?" Confusion replaces curiosity as poking transforms into firm rocking and pushing. "Dadda! Wakie-wakie!"
 
>Bewildered, you slowly approach your fallen lover, kneeling down beside him
>Cradling his head in your forelegs, your hooves become soaked in his blood
>Looking into his half-lidded eyes, you find them dull and lifeless
>"Momma?" The foal is now tugging at your mane, trying to get your attention. "Why dadda sleepies, momma?"
"...momma?"
>With those words, your already-fragile state of mind shatters
>Tears flow freely from your eyes as you tightly hug Butterscotch's lifeless corpse
>Burying your muzzle into his shoulder, you break down, wailing uncontrollably
>After a few moments, your anguished cries degrade into pathetic sniffs and sobs
"This... this can't be happening..."
>At that instant, the moon aligns with the window, extinguishing the lamps inside the room whilst flooding it with a mystical light
>You look up from Butterscotch's body to watch as the glow intensifies
>Suddenly, the light escalates to a blinding flash before fading just as quickly
>Blinking your tear-stained eyes, you make out the form of a large pony with wings, a horn and a billowing, translucent blue mane
"P-Princess Luna?"
>The alicorn nods. "Good evening, Fluttershy." Smiling gently, she slowly approaches you. "And you are quite right - this is indeed not happening." She motions downward with her hoof, towards Butterscotch's body
>Or rather, where his body used to be
>You find your hooves suddenly empty, the floor and your coat blood-free
>The foal is also nowhere to be seen, gone without a trace
>Drying your eyes, you give the Princess of the Night a befuddled look
"Luna, I... don't understand. If that wasn't real, then is this, um..."
>"Yes," Luna answers. "Everything you see before you is nothing more than a dream."
"Oh."
>You look about the room for a moment, running your hoof against the edge of the bathroom counter
"But, it seemed so real. Everything..."
>Luna closes her eyes in contemplation. "And that is part of what makes nightmares so terrifying," she explains
 
>Silently, you nod in agreement
>The Princess cracks her eyes open, looking sternly at you. "That, and the fears they represent. So, Fluttershy," she asks, "what is it that has you so fearful this night?"
>You look away, unable to look your sovereign in the eye
"I'm, um, preg..."
>Your voice trails off, becoming inaudible
>"I beg your pardon, Fluttershy," Luna answers, politely as possible, "but I did not quite catch that."
>You take a deep breath, bracing yourself
"I'm pregnant."
>Somewhat taken aback, Luna pauses for a few seconds before replying. "So... it is the duties of parenthood which frighten you?"
"Well..."
>You hesitate for a few seconds as you think about your answer
"It's not just that. It's... Butterscotch."
>"Ah, yes," the Princess replies. "The stallion from the other realm. What of him?"
"He's my... special somepony. And the one who..."
>You look down at your belly, indistinctly murmuring the rest of your sentence before looking back up at Luna
"He's very homesick. I know he said he wanted to look after me if I was pregnant, but it seems so awful to, um... spring this on him just as he's about to go home."
>You sigh deeply, your voice becoming shaky
"But, raising my foal alone, I don't think I can... But should I even tell him...?"
>"Hrm..." You feel your body go weak under Luna's firm gaze. "Why, do you suppose, is it that Butterscotch was so willing to stay behind in the first place?"
"Because, um, he worries about me?"
>She shakes her head. "That much is true, but it is not the whole story. The foal growing within you right now is not just your own, Fluttershy."
>Suddenly, it hits you
"Oh... It's his too."
>"Precisely," the Princess confirms. "I understand why you may be afraid to 'burden' him with this news; however..."
"He deserves to know. I understand now."
>Luna smiles softly at your interjection, though you feel as uneasy as ever
"But... Even with Butterscotch here, I... don't think I'm ready. To... be a parent."
 
>You barely squeak out the last word of that sentence, though the Princess still catches it
>In response, she lays a hoof upon your shoulder. "That may be true, Fluttershy, but nopony truly is."
>You give Luna a puzzled look
"W-what do you mean, Luna?"
>"Consider your own parents for a moment," she says. "Good as they may have been, would you say that they were perfect?"
>You contemplate the question briefly
>Were they?
"Well... I never saw them have any problems with me. They always knew the right things to say or do."
>"Is that so?" She gives you a curious look. "Let us look at this more closely, then. Follow me."
>With that, Luna's horn charges with magical energy
>She shoots a bolt at the bathroom wall, rending a portal in the dreamscape
>Calmly, she trots through
"Princess Luna?"
>You nervously approach the portal in your bathroom, flinching as you gingerly put a single hoof into it
>Confirming your limb is still intact, you bring the rest of your body through
>You find yourself immersed in an endless sea of stars, punctuated by a winding path of light at your hooves
>Following the path with your eyes, you spot Luna in the distance
>You take flight, cutting corners in the road through the heavens to catch up to her
>Below you, the path begins ramping up, becoming steeper and steeper by the second
>Defying all logic, Luna continues her trot, walking up the now-sheer vertical road
>Her pace shifts, moving from a trot into a full gallop
>You beat your wings hard in an effort to keep up with her vertical ascent
 
===
 
>Before you know it, you find both her and yourself punching straight through a layer of cloud
>Emerging on the other side, you find yourself in a most familiar place
>A city of buildings and streets carved out of the clouds themselves
>Cloudsdale
>Looking around to get your bearings, you spot something strange
>A timid pegasus filly with a yellow coat and pink mane
"Is that me?"
 
>"Indeed," Luna answers, hovering beside you. "And who do you suppose that stallion beside you is?"
>Looking down once more, you spot the pony Luna is talking about
>He's a rather average-sized stallion sporting a pastel-orange coat and fiery red mane
>On his flank, you can make out a cutie mark in the shape of a sunrise
"Dad...?"
>Silently, you fly down, tracking the two ponies from a distance
>Luna follows in a close pursuit, flying beside you
>You watch as your past self wanders close to the edge of the path she's on
>She dares to peer over the edge, looking towards the ground many miles below
>Immediately, her eyes go wide as she stumbles backwards, bumping into your father's leg
>"Hm?" Your father looks down, seeing your younger incarnation shivering with fright. "Oh, Fluttershy..."
>You watch as he strokes the filly's pink mane reassuringly
>"It's alright, darling," he coos, calming past-you down. "I'm here."
>You always admired your father when you were growing up, and still do
>As you begin to get nostalgic about all this, several memories suddenly click in your head
"Oh, I remember this now!"
>You smile excitedly as you continue to follow your father and past-self, who are now heading down a different path
"This is the day I first flew."
>Before long, you're in an empty lot of sorts, tucked away at the edge of Cloudsdale and surrounded by taller cloud-buildings on most sides
>Not known by many, it was the perfect place to be away from everypony else in town
>You watch as your father directs your past self through some basic warm-up exercises
>Nothing particularly intense - a few assisted wing-ups and leg-stretches, mostly
>Then, your dad flies up, gracefully gathering a few clouds before bringing them back down
>He pats them with his hooves, moulding them into a simple ski-jump
 
>"Now, Fluttershy," he explains, waving a hoof at the construct, "let's have another try at this. Just run up the ramp and jump. Then, make circles with your wings, like this."
>The stallion demonstrates, flapping his wings as slowly as he can in an attempt to make every little detail clear
>The little filly smiles and nods somewhat nervously in response
>"Okay. Ready, Fluttershy?" Your father's voice is soft and reassuring, yet still isn't enough to put his daughter's mind completely at ease
>"R-ready, daddy," she answers, her voice still carrying a hint of shakiness
>"That's my girl."
>Your past self trots over to the other side of the ramp, taking a few deep breaths before charging at full-speed
>Her hind-legs push off the ramp, launching her into the air... and straight into the cloudy pavement below after just a few ineffective flaps
>She remains still for a moment, her head buried in the cloudy surface, her limbs unmoving
>Your father gasps before sprinting over. "You okay, darling?"
>The filly's only response is a quiet sob
>Softly, the stallion places his hooves under your past self, lifting her face to look at his
>Her face is now bright red, stained by trails of tears
>Without a second thought, your father pulls her in for a tight hug, letting her bury her muzzle into his coat
>"It's okay... I'm here." You watch your past self melt into the familial embrace as your father gently pats her back
>After a minute or so of this, however, your father pulls away, looking into the filly's eyes
>"Do you want to give it another go?" Your father's expression is just as serene as you remember it. "You don't have to if you don't want to, but I know you can do it."
>The filly wipes away her tears, though her lip still quivers in shame. "B-but I don't think I can. I just can't..."
 
>Your father thinks carefully for a brief while before answering. "Fluttershy, do you believe in me?"
>The filly nods a couple of times. "Yes, daddy."
>"Well," he adds, "I believe in you. So, just this once... can you believe that I believe in you?"
>You can see the gears whirring in your past self's head as she processes the meaning of those words
>"...okay," she eventually answers, gulping hard as she dries away the rest of her tears. "I'll try."
>She trots away from your father, lining herself up with the ski-jump once more
>This time, your father glides over to the opposite side, hovering about ten yards away from the ramp's upper end
>"I believe in you, darling," he says, looking straight at his daughter. "You can do it."
>Your past self takes a deep breath, steadying herself before sprinting forward
>She jumps, spreading her wings as wide as she can before flapping them at an almost hummingbird-like pace
>Her wings slice through the air, scooping it rearward as she maintains a singular focus on your father's floating figure
>Realising she's not falling to the ground, the filly squeals as she realises she's out of control and about to smash straight into your father
>Just before the collision, the stallion shifts backwards in the air by a fraction, absorbing your past self's impact whilst catching her in one swift motion
>She flaps for several seconds more before realising she's safe and sound within your father's grip, blushing in embarrassment immediately afterwards
>"See, darling?" Your father strokes your past self's mane. "I knew you could do it."
>The filly in his grip is silent, her only response being to hug your father even tighter
>As your past self and your father embrace, you turn your attention to the Princess floating alongside you
 
"You see, Luna?"
>You gesture towards the now-frozen scene below
>"My dad always knew the right things to say and do. I wouldn't even know where to begin if I were in his hooves..."
>In response, Luna gives you an indiscernible look
>"And you believe that he did?"
>Awkwardly, your eyes wander away for a second
"Well, um... yes?"
>The Princess cracks the slightest of smiles at your answer. "Come, dear Fluttershy," she says. "Perhaps this will clarify things."
>Suddenly, Luna flies towards a nearby wall, striking it with her hoof at full-force
>A shockwave spreads from the point of impact, twisting and warping the dreamscape in response
>The outdoor backlot reforms into a furnished indoor setting of polished white floors, blue walls and cloud-marble support columns
>You immediately recognise the scene before you, the living room of your childhood home
 
>On the couch, you see your father fidgeting worriedly
>A pegasus mare sits beside him, her mane a pink matching yours, her coat a lovely powder blue
>She looks towards your father, concern clear upon her face
>"So," your mother asks, "still no progress with Fluttershy's flying?"
>Your father shakes his head. "No, sadly."
>"But I don't understand," your mother responds, doing her best to manintain her composure. "The doctor said her wings are fine."
>"It's her confidence," your dad states. His voice, though recognisable, sounds a lot firmer to your ears than you remember it being as a filly. "We need to get that up."
>"Her... confidence?" Your mom frowns slightly at the suggestion. "I think that might be easier said than done."
>Your dad matches your mother's frown. "I know. I've already tried everything I can think of in that department, too..."
>Your parents silently grumble to themselves, frustrated with their inability to help you
>It's your mother who breaks the silence first. "Still... we do need to get her flying soon," she says, worried. "She'll be starting school in a few weeks."
>"Hm." Your father nods. "Kids always rib the weaker fliers, but that's nothing compared to what they do to the flightless..." He shudders at the thought
>Your mother's wings flinch and press themselves close to her body. "Nopony deserves that, least of all her."
>Thinking back to your childhood, you remember your mother telling you that she wasn't the greatest flier growing up either, and that she first met your dad when he stood up for her against a gang of bullies
>You always figured that your mother's flight skills back then were like yours, and the whole thing played out a lot like the day you earned your Cutie Mark
>Was it possible you were wrong, though?
>Judging by your mom's reaction, it seems you might be
>Just what did they try to do to her back then?
>You try not to think about it too hard, instead returning your focus to the scene playing out before you
 
>"Oh, mercy..." Heaving a deep sigh, your father looks down at the floor. "We're terrible at this parenting thing, aren't we? Can't even teach our kid how to fly."
>Smiling softly, your mom raises a hoof to your dad's cheek, giving it an affectionate stroke
>She then brings her muzzle forward, kissing him briefly. "It's okay. We'll figure this out."
>"Hopefully..." He spreads his wings, embracing your mother in a warm hug
>As the two start to get comfortable, your dad suddenly pulls away
>He raises a hoof to his chin as he looks back at your mother. "You think Rainbow Blaze might have some ideas?"
>You spot a sparkle in your mom's eyes
>"Oh, that's right," she answers excitedly. "His filly's about Flutters's age, isn't she?"
>Your dad nods. "Yeah. And she's such a confident flyer for her age," he adds. "Maybe he'll know how to get Fluttershy into the right headspace."
>"Mm. It's worth a shot."
>As your parents continue their discussion, their voices quickly fade
>You stare in surprise at this now-silent scene
>In your memories, your parents had always seemed about as perfect as they came
>Yet here they were, confused about what to do, blaming themselves for your problems
>Even going so far as to rely on their friends for help when all else failed
>For the first time, you see your parents as the well-intentioned, yet ultimately imperfect ponies they truly are
>Much like yourself and Butterscotch, in a way
>Your eyes go wide as that last thought crosses your mind
>Luna remains silent in response, content in giving you a knowing look
 
>Looking up at the Princess, you notice her form slowly dissolving into the dreamscape
"Princess Luna...?"
>"I must go now, Fluttershy," she explains. "My work here is done, and many more of my subjects are in need of my help this night."
"O-oh..."
>You avert your eyes for a moment before looking back at Luna
>You still have so many questions for her
>Still, she has duties bigger than you to attend to
"I... understand. Thank you, Luna."
>"Farewell, Fluttershy," the Princess replies
>Her body has now completely faded into an ethereal mist
>"Reflect upon what you've seen here this night..."
 
=
 
"Luna?"
>You awake with a start, sitting bolt-upright in bed
>Judging by the level of light coming in through the window, it is now well past sunrise
>You look over to your side, spotting empty bedsheets
>Your heart skips a beat as you run a hoof across the covers, confirming your lover's absence
>Concerned, you look around the rest of the room
"Butterscotch?"
>There is no answer to your call
>Feeling a dreadful sense of deja vu, you nervously exit the bedroom
>Heading down the hallway, you find the bathroom door ajar
"Butters? Are you in there?"
 
>"Yes, I'm in here," he answers softly. "Are you... okay?"
"I-I'm fine. May I come in?"
>"Sure."
>You nudge the door open
>Butterscotch stands at the sink, looking over his shoulder towards you. "Good morning, Fluttershy."
>He has a clean toothbrush held in his right wing and a tube of toothpaste in the left
>As he's about to put a glob of toothpaste on the brush, though, his grip slips
>The tube lands on the floor
>Right next to the pregnancy test you dropped last night
>"Huh?" Distracted, he moves to grab the pregnancy test
>You open your mouth to try and stop him, but nothing comes out
>"I thought we threw this out..." He flips it over. "Oh well, no matt-"
>He freezes, blinking in disbelief as he sees the twin lines
"I-I'm sorry... I wanted to tell you, but you were asleep when I got back to bed, and, and..."
>Looking away, you whimper as you squeeze your eyes shut
>You flinch as something touches your shoulder
>Cracking your eyes open, you realise it's Butterscotch, nuzzling you
>You nuzzle him back, shaking slightly
>Your ear against him, you can feel the drumbeat of his heart
>By your guess, it's thumping along at nearly two hundred beats per minute
>"I... I'm gonna be a dad," Butterscotch murmurs nervously. "Oh, Solaris, I'm..." His breathing becomes heavy and laboured as he begins to hyperventilate
 
>Without hesitation, you wrap your wings around him, giving him a gentle cuddle
"It'll be okay..."
>You massage his neck with your wingtips as you coo to him, hoping to soothe his nerves
>His breathing eases somewhat, though you sense his heart is still beating hard
>"But," he answers, still nervous, "what if we're... what if I'm not a good dad?"
>You think back to the dream you had and the memories you looked back on
>The borrowed advice your father gave you
>Pondering the implications, you wonder whether Butterscotch's mother ever tried the same idea on him when he was growing up
>You figure it's worth a shot
"Butters?"
>Your stallionfriend gulps hard. "Yes?"
"I believe you'll be a good dad. And, um... you believe in me believing in you, right?"
>Butterscotch goes slack-jawed for a second as he processes what you've just said
>Then, without warning, he extends his own wings, wrapping them around the back of your neck to return your hug
>"I... I do," he answers, his eyes becoming misty
>As the two of you embrace, you think about what the future might hold
>Regardless of Luna's advice, parenthood still terrified you
>Yet now, at least, it was a fear you could face
>And you wouldn't be facing it alone