The darkest hour is just before the dawn

Chapter Three - Stress

Nova giggled and stretched out her hand towards Pinkie Pie who squealed along with her, cupping her hand around Nova's tiny fist.
"She's so small and adorable!" Pinkie grinned before turning away to take a sip of her drink.
Flash nodded in agreement. "She's perfectly, exactly how we pictured."
Twilight hurried over to Flash who was holding the baby, standing beside him. He handed over the baby to her arms so he could wrap his around Twilight's waist, kissing her cheek gently.
"How are you Pinkie?" She smiled, rocking Nova, who began to settle down, becoming more calm.
"I'm great!" She exclaimed, clear excitement on her face. "It's good to see you both again! Been a little while!"
Nova began pulling on the necklace around Twilight's neck. It was the necklace Celesta had given to them both as a wedding present. She'd made the decision to wear it constantly in case of emergency. Unfortunately shiny objects were extremely appealing to the small baby.
"Hey, careful!" Twilight whispered softly, batting away Nova's hand carefully. "That's both a powerful object, and a very special gift. We wouldn't want to break it."
Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, and Fluttershy strolled over and stood by them all, after having just taken a snack from the cupboard as well taking the time to refill their drinks.
Pinkie Pie squinted, taking in the object's appearance. "What does it do?"
"It..." Twilight paused. "Rewinds time." She glanced up at Pinkie. "Only the people holding the necklace remember what happened, the rest of the people don't have a clue. I have it in case of an emergency. If someone were to be hurt, or if they died, I am able to use this to save them." She let go of the necklace which she had been holding without realising.
"Anyway, enough about this necklace!" She laughed. "How is everyone, and where is Fireshot, Sunset and Rarity?"
"Rarity is goin' to be a little late." Apple Jack announced. "She promised she'd make it as soon as she finished her current dress for an important customer. I don't know about Sunset or Fireshot." She scratched her head. "Haven't heard from them since yesterday."
Twilight looked down, feeling a little disappointed, believing that Sunset and Fireshot weren't going to arrive. She had been looking forward to a catch up with Sunset. "Oh..."
"Don't worry Twilight." Fluttershy's voice was calm and soothing. "I'm sure they'll make it. They won't forget. Sunset never forgets these things."
Rainbow nodded in agreement. "Especially after you inspired her to be more organised." She chuckled at the memory. "Remember? We all spent the whole day at your house arranging-" She paused. "Well, basically arranging our whole lives."
Twilight laughed before glancing to Flash. "Hey, can you hold Nova? I just want to try and call them both."
Taking Nova from Twilight, Flash watched as Twilight hurried away, pulling her phone from her pocket.
"Is she doing okay?" Apple Jack whispered concerned.
Flash sighed. "She's stressed from the baby. She was looking forward to spending some time with all her friends today, and she was really worried some people wouldn't turn up." He glanced towards where Twilight had gone. "Could one of you hold Nova for me please?" He pleaded. "I need to talk to her."
Apple Jack stepped forward to volunteer which Flash gratefully accepted. Nova seemed a little annoyed about being passed around like a parcel, but once she was settled in Apple Jack's arm's she began her usual giggling and friendly poking as Flash followed Twilight's path into the kitchen.
A loud ringing echoed into the air, coming from the doorbell. 
"Don't worry! I'll get it!" Pinkie Pie squealed, skipping towards the door eagerly.

Flash peered around the corner to see Twilight resting against the kitchen counter, head in her hands.
"Hey, Twi?" He called out.
She looked up towards him, looking a little distressed, but more relaxed once she saw him.
"Are you okay?" He quizzed, taking his place next to her. She didn't respond, but instead rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"They'll make it." He reassured her. "They will. They're our friends, they care about you, and they wouldn't miss this for the world."
"I know..." Twilight whispered, looking up towards Flash who pulled back to bring her in for a tight hug before kissing her on the forehead.
"Be confident Twilight." He smiled. "And don't worry, or stress."
She managed a small smile. "I love you..."
"I love you too, Twilight Sparkle."

Throwing open the door ready to hug the visitor, expecting either Rarity, Sunset or Fireshot, Pinkie was shocked, causing her to drop her arms, when she saw a long black haired woman with a bright coloured streak in only part of her hair, standing at the door, a grin on her face.
"Hello, Pinkie Pie."

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A/N - Story on hold...
I don't know how long it'll be for.