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Total count:

12 bits

___________________________________________________________Zephyr wasn't with Maud anymore when Lazuli was born and didn't want to have anything to do with the baby at first, but unfortunately for him, Maud was a sister of a friend of his sister, so he wasto care.It was simple at first. Visiting the soon-to-be-mother, doing little things for her, making sure everything runs smoothly. But as the big day was approaching, Zephyr started to panic and when the time came, to welcome the child into the world, he was nowhere to be found."Zephyr Breeze, stop hiding behind those bushes, I know you are there," a soft, yet strict voice called out his name. His sister didn't sound happy."I'm not hiding, sis, I'mmmm hoarding sticks and leaves," he replied and started chaotically grabbing sticks around him."Zephyr..." Fluttershy approached him with a warmhearted look. She saw her brother sitting there, nervously trembling and throwing sticks to all sides. "What's wrong, Zephyr? You can't run away like this. It's almost time, do you want to miss it?""I... I can't sis," he sighed and let go of the rest of the sticks. "I just can't. It was fine before, but now... everything will change! And I can't do this, Fluttershy! I can't be a father!""Oh dear," Fluttershy let out, she stepped closer and wrapped her hooves around him. "You don't have nothing to worry about, everything will be fine.""No it won't! What kind of father somepony like me could be? I can't even take care of myself without you... I will ruin this kid's life is all. I shouldn't even be involved in it.""Stop saying such things, Zephyr! You know that is not true! Lot of ponies love you. I love you. And that child will love you, too. It will be happy that it knows its father. And you won't be alone, Maud is here too. And I'll always be around. And I'm sure so will Pinkie. So stop saying you're not enough. Just that you will be there, will be enough." She hugged her brother tight and let him silently sob into her shoulder."Thanks sis," Zephyr said and got up on his hooves. Fluttershy let go of him and smiled. "I'm ready to go now. I think.""I know you are. Hopefully we won't be too late." The yellow pegasus then turned around and both sibligns took off into the air."Pinkie! Oh no, are we late? Did something went wrong?" Fluttershy bursted, frightened, as she and Zephyr Breeze arrived to the caverns. Pinkie Pie was leaning over Maud's bed and all in all not much was really happening."You're back!" The pink pony beamed, "everything's a-o-kay!" She turned to the pegasi duo with a wide smile. "Just in time! Come and see!" She moved to the side as Zephyr slowly approached the bed himself and was left speechless.There, a gray mare with purple mane lay, carrying a gentle smile on her otherwise stone face, nuzzling something tiny covered in sheets. A second later, a little head with beautiful yellow mane peeked out."It's a girl!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed enthusiastically, unable to hold it in any longer."Oh Maud, she's beautiful," Fluttershy whispered."May.. May I..." Zephyr was mumbling."Hold her," Maud spoke what Zephyr wasn't able to form into words. He swallowed and nodded.Zephyr held his newborn daughter in his hooves and the two shared this moment in silence, looking at each other and ignoring the world around them. And all of a sudden, Zephyr knew. He knew he might not be the best father of all, but for his little girl, he was willing to try.Zephyr Breeze,+5