Heart of Diamonds

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six: Final

Prologue

The evening air of Equestria feels so refreshing while it brushes against my fur and through my mane as I trot through the streets of Ponyville. The glow of Princess Luna’s moon illuminating the sky gives it such a marvelous vision of beauty and no pony knows about beauty such as me, Rarity Belle. I am an expert on the art of beauty, for I am the top fashionista in all of Equestria if I do say so myself.

The peace and quiet of the evening always relaxes me after I spent a whole day of measuring, snipping, sewing, stitching, and completing elegant fashion ware for my many clients and my friends. I certainly do love my career, but I must admit it takes a toll on this old mare, and I simply need to just take time out of my busy schedule to enjoy myself. That is why coming out in the evening feels just right for a refined lady such as myself.

A few other ponies are outside enjoying the same evening stroll as me and I greet them by waving at them with a hoof. I take a deep breath of the fresh air “Mm… that is so relaxing,” I think to myself as I trot on. I can see that most of the businesses here in Ponyville are closed up except for Sugarcube Corner; the bakery where my good friend Pinkie Pie works and also lives at.

She sure is one of a kind with her exuberant behavior and unexplained ability to perform such actions that are impossible for the ordinary Earth pony. Yet I still love her all the same, because she always seems to make the day brighter with just a simple smile. If time allows, the best part of an off day of my duties as a fashionista, is going to one of Pinkie’s unforgettable parties. They are always something to look forward to.

I continue to trot on pass Sugarcube Corner as I make my way back to my home of Carousel Boutique which is also the place that I create my luxurious designs. Sighing softly, I smile up at the evening sky as I am bathed in the warm moonlight. Everything is going peaceful until I hear the noise of some pony crying “Hu… huh… huh… huh.”

Twitching my ears to get a good feeling of where the crying could be coming from, I turn my attention to one of the many alley ways of the town. “Hu… huh… huh… huh..,” I start to trot towards the alley as the crying becomes clearer. The pathway is cleared of any debris, which is what I admire about Ponyville is the citizens know how to keep the place clean and unpolluted.

However, I do see what appears to be a copy of the Ponyville newspaper laid over something that made a mound underneath it. I carefully trot closer to it “Hello, is some pony there,” I speak as softly so not to scare whatever or whoever it might be.

“Hu… huh… huh… huh..,” the only response I receive is more whimpering. I carefully trot closer to the newspaper until I am right up beside it. As I look over it I can see part of a yellow short mane peeking out from one end of the newspaper. Suddenly it starts to shake violently as I very carefully use a hoof to very gently lift the newspaper to uncover whatever the thing might be.

I immediately cover my mouth up with my hoof and gasp as before me lays a small creature which appears to be a
hairless ape except for the hair on its head. It looks like to be a very young colt wearing some raggedy clothes, and it’s hugging itself close with its forelegs trying to keep warm. I very carefully use my hoof to very gently touch it.

“Excuse me dear, are you o…,” before I can finish he snaps his head at me and I can see fear in his eyes. He suddenly sits up, and crawls backwards up against the wall of a house and trembles like a leaf. He hugs his hind legs with his forelegs close to his chest looking up at me wide eyed. I notice tears pricking at his eyes, and it breaks my heart.

I try to approach him until he speaks with a shaky tone “P-p-please d-don’t hurt m-me,” I hear him whimper as he trembles harder. I don’t know what kind of creature he is, but I can sense that he is very hurt. I very carefully lower myself down on my legs, not afraid to touch the cold dirty ground so I can try and calm the little colt.

He is so small huddled up in front of me against the wall. I try to give him a soft smile as I reach out a hoof to his side which he doesn’t resist, but he shakes even harder. My heart sinks at how scared he is of me, but I speak as softly as I can to try and comfort him.

“Hello little one, please don’t be afraid, I am not going to hurt you,” I gently reach up and rub at his shoulder. He continues to tremble at the touch of my hoof and whimpers. It hurts me to see such a colt this scared, even though he might not be a pony. I feel tears sting my eyes, but I do not let them shed so not to worry him “Can you maybe tell me how old you are little darling?”

I give him a light comforting smile and gently rub at his shoulder some more. I can hear him swallow deeply as he speaks in the same shaky tone as before “I-I-I am f-f-five years old M-Ma’am,” he looks at my hoof with a timid look. I look at him wide-eyed hearing how old he is and I think to myself “He is just a baby,” I frown.

“Thank you for telling me your age little one,” I give him a warm smile. I sigh softly as I look up at Luna’s moon “I know what sweetie, how about we get off this cold dirty ground, and I take you to my house to get you cleaned up?” He gives me a weak little nod and I smile softly at him. “Okay. Let me carry you on my back precious so you don’t have to walk,” I rub at his shoulder again.

He starts to whimper again and shakes his head “N-n-no Ma’am. I-I am afraid I-I will get your fur all dirty,” he lowers his head onto his knees. For being so young, he has such manners and it makes my heart smile. I think of something as I carefully sit up on my haunches and look down at the little colt.

“Come here darling,” I gently motion for him to come toward me with a fore hoof. He carefully stands up shaking on his hind legs. I give him a soft smile “It is okay dear, I won’t hurt you,” he very slowly inches toward me. I look down at him as he only comes up to the top of my forelegs “There you go sweetie, see I am not mean at all,” I give him a warm smile.

I very gently lay my fore leg around his small form and carefully bring him toward me in a hug. I feel him shake against me and I rub up and down his back to try and comfort him. “Shh… it is okay little one, there is no need to be afraid,” I see him look up at me with his small lips quivering.

I am appalled at the condition he is in. His yellow mane is all disheveled, and his clothes have tears in the top and bottom. Also, he is wearing nothing on his hooves and I just feel for this precious little colt. I rub a little more along his back and gently pat it. I look down my chest to see that there is no dirt on my pearl white fur.

Giving him a reassuring smile I softly say “You see there darling, you didn’t get any dirt on me. Now, how about you let me take you to my home for tonight?” I gently lift one of his fore hooves in mine and use the other hoof to rub the top of it.

He looks up at me with the slightest of smiles “Y-y-yes Ma’am,” he looks at his little hoof in mine as I see a tear fall from his eyes. I smile softly down at him and very carefully light up my horn. I envelope him in my magic, but I do it as gentle as I can so not to scare him. He shakes in my magical aura and looks up at me in fear as I very slowly levitate him up onto my back.

“It is okay dear,” I look back at him with a smile as he curls up on my back. He lets out a little whimper, but along with a small sigh. I smile warmly at him as a thought occurs “The poor little think has been hurt badly I can tell,” I sigh softly as I turn to trot ahead toward the boutique.

Upon arriving home, I carefully open the door with my magic so not to disturb the sleeping colt and quietly trot inside. I very carefully trot over to my measuring station so I can get his measurements to make him some new clothes. I look back at him and gently nuzzle at his cheek as he slowly opens his eyes “Darling, would it be okay if I maybe take your measurements? I will make you some new and more comfortable clothes,” I give him a warm smile as he gives me a soft nod.

I very carefully levitate him off my back and over in front of the mirrors. I sit down on my haunches before him and levitate my measuring tape, pencil, and notepad over to me. I look down at him as he continues to shake some, and my heart just aches for the poor child.

I reach a hoof to very gently rub along his foreleg “Little one, if it is okay for me to ask, could you maybe extend your forelegs for me?” He looks up at me with a confused look as I gently rub at his foreleg again “Oh, I am sorry dear,” I give him a warm smile as I carefully lift one of his hooves up in mine to extend a foreleg. He doesn’t resist as he lets me measure it, and then I measure his hind legs.

After I write down all of his measurements I hold his little hoof in my and pat it “You did a very good job letting me measure you sweetie,” I give him a soft smile as I gently levitate him onto my back. “Come with me darling and I will make you a new set of clothes to sleep in tonight,” he gives me a little nod as I trot upstairs to my bedroom/ inspiration room.

Entering my room I carefully levitate the little colt off my back and over to my bed so he can sit while I work on his new clothes. I look to see him fold his hooves in his lap and start to shake. I trot over to him and reach up to stroke his back “It is okay dear, you aren’t going to get my bed dirty if that is what you are worried about,” he raises his head to look into my eyes.

I can see them stained with tears as he weakly nods his head. “Shh… please don’t cry sweetie, it’s okay,” I coo as I gently pat his back. I give him a warm smile “If a lady may ask little one what is your favorite color?”

His shaking calms a little as he speaks “B-blue Ma’am,” his tone is so soft and broken.

“Thank you darling for telling me,” I reach my hoof to gently pat his lap. I trot over to my work station to get started on his set of pajamas. I put on my red brimmed work glasses and get to work by using my magic. As I work on the small child’s clothes I look over at him as he keeps his lowered looking at his hooves in his lap. “I wonder what ever happened to the poor dear,” I think to myself.

After a few minutes of carefully designing, I finish the little colt’s pajamas. It was a combination of soft warm blue wool pants with matching blue wool long sleeve top. I finish the ensemble off with blue thick wool socks. I trot over to him levitating the outfit with me and give him a warm smile “How do you like them darling? I used a dark royal blue, I hope that is okay.”

He looked up to see his pajamas and a light smile crept across his face. He looked up at me next and softly spoke “T-thank you M-Ma’am. I-I do like them,” he calmed his shaking a little more.

I smiled brightly with a light pink blush on my cheeks “Well, you are certainly welcome precious,” I fold up the clothes with my magic and place them on my back. “Okay now sweetie, let us go get you washed up so you can put these on” I give him a warm smile as I gently levitate him onto my back and I trot out of my room to the bath room.

As I enter my bathroom, I carefully levitate the small child onto the floor as I use my magic turn on the hot and cold water faucets of the tub. While the water is running I levitate his pajamas onto the sink and get a couple of towels and a soft bristled brush out of the cabinet. I check on the tub and stop the water when it is a good level for the little colt. I check it with my hoof to make sure it is the right temperature so he won’t get burned or get too cold.

I smile warmly down at him “Little one, would you like for me to help wash you or would you like to take your bath alone?” I gently placed a hoof on his shoulder.

He looks up at me “I-if it is okay Ma’am, c-could I take my bath alone?”

I give him a soft smile and nod “Of course darling,” I rub along his fore leg. “I will just be outside when you are done, okay?” He looks up at me and gives me a soft nod. I smile warmly down at him and turn to trot out of the bathroom and gently shutting it behind me.

After a few minutes there was a knock on the bathroom door “Are you all done little one?”

“Y-yes Ma’am,” his voice lost some of its shakiness, but still sounded so small and broken. I carefully opened the door with my magic to reveal him in his new pajamas and socks.

“Aw… you look absolutely adorable darling,” I give him a bright smile. “Do they feel warm and comfortable enough?” I reach out a hoof and rub along his forelegs.

He gives me a slight nod ‘Yes Ma’am, they are very soft and warm. Thank you,” he looks up at me and gives me a light smile.

“You are very welcome precious, but you don’t need to thank me,” I gently reach my hoof up to stroke very lightly at his mane. It looks a whole lot better now since it’s washed and I know he has to feel much more comfortable.

I look into the bathroom and see his old raggedy clothes on the floor but folded into a small pile next to the towel he used. I decide to get them later as I gently levitate him on my back “C’mon little one, let’s go find you something to eat,” I give him a warm smile as I feel him wrap his little forelegs around my neck. My heart melts at the gesture and I place a hoof on his smaller ones as I smile warmly. I turn to trot downstairs to the kitchen.

As we enter the kitchen I levitate him off my back and over to a chair at the kitchen table “Okay darling, you just sit there and I will bring you something good to eat, okay?” I rub gently at his back.

He gives me a light smile as he looks up at me “Yes Ma’am,” he replies politely.

I trot over to the refrigerator, open it, and levitate a fresh garden tomato out to place on the counter. I open a drawer and levitate out a knife as I carefully cut a nice round slice of the tomato. Next I levitate a loaf of bread over and get out to slices placing them on a napkin. I place the slice of tomato carefully on one slice of bread as I gently season it with a dash of salt to give it some flavor. Finally I place the second slice of bread on top and use the knife to cut the sandwich in half in the shape of a triangle.

I place the tomato in a small plastic container to save for another day, levitate the bread into the bread box, and levitate the knife into the sink to be washed. I carefully levitate the sandwich and napkin as I trot over to the table, and I place it in front of the little colt.

“Here you go darling, it is a tomato sandwich. I hope you like it,” I give him a light smile and I sit across from him on my haunches. “Oh gosh, I almost forgot. I will be right back sweetie,” I get up and trot over to the refrigerator and open it back up again. I levitate out a jug of apple juice, and then get a glass from one of the top cabinets. I pour some apple juice into the glass and levitate the jug back into the refrigerator closing it.

I trot back over to the table and levitate the glass next to the child’s sandwich “There you go little one. Some of the best apple juice in all of Equestria,” I let out a giggle and he looks up at me with a soft smile. I watch him as he takes small bites of his sandwich and drinks at his applejuice.

While he is eating I give him a gentle yet curious look “Precious, if it is okay for a lady to ask, could you maybe tell me your name?”

He chews a bite of his sandwich before replying “My name is Connor Ma’am,” he gives me a light smile before going back to eat at his sandwich.

“Well it is a pleasure to meet you Connor. My name is Rarity Belle, but you can just call me Rarity,” I give him a warm smile

He finishes eating his sandwich and drinking his juice after a few minutes. He uses the napkin to wipe at his mouth as I gently levitate it over to the garbage can. He looks up at me with a light smile “Thank you Ms. Rarity for the sandwich and apple juice,” he folds his hooves in front of him and lower his head.

I smile warmly down at him and delicately place my hoof under his chin to raise his head “You are certainly welcome Connor. I am glad you enjoyed it,” I stroke at his mane softly as I hear him let out a little yawn. “Well, it looks like a little colt is sleepy. C’mon Connor, follow me and I will show you where you will sleep for tonight, okay?” He gives me a light nod as I levitate him onto my back and trot into the den of my boutique.

I trot upstairs to my bedroom and levitate him onto my bed to sit for a little bit. I trot over to my dresser drawer and levitate out a few thick wool blankets. I use two to make a soft warm palette on the rug right in front of my bed and I levitate a pillow over to place at an end of the palette. I trot back over to Connor to see him curled up in a ball, and it melts my heart.

So not to wake the little darling, I very carefully levitate him over to lay him on the blankets and laying his head gently on the pillow. I lift the third blanket and lay it over his small form. I lean my head down to his and whisper “Sweet dreams Connor.” I see a light smile on his face as I lightly stroke his mane. I smile warmly down at him as I trot over to get into my own bed.

I shuffle under the covers until I am comfortable enough and place my sleeping mask on. As I peacefully drift off to sleep I think to myself “I think I will take Connor to see Twilight tomorrow so she can tell me what kind of creature he is,” a soft sigh escapes my lips as I fall to sleep.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Chapter Two

As I sleep peacefully during the night I hear a scream which causes me to immediately shoot up in bed. I remove my sleeping mask and quickly climb off my bed to trot in front of it where I see Connor sitting up trembling. He has his hind legs folded up against his chest and hugs them close to him with his head in his forelegs.

I look down at the little colt worriedly as I carefully sit down on my haunches beside him and place a hoof gently on his shoulder. He looks up at me with fear in his eyes as tears start to prick the edges and his lower lip quivering. I stroke his back to try and calm him down until he does something that melts my heart. He scoots close to me and wraps his little forelegs around my free foreleg and lays his head against it whimpering.

Although this gesture melts my heart it also breaks it, because of the pain I can sense coming from the small child. I use my hoof to gently stroke along his side as I look down at him clinging to my foreleg like he is afraid of losing me. I feel tears sting my own eyes as I watch him shake like a leaf.

While I stroke his side he looks up at me allowing his tears to cascade down his cheek “M-Ms Rarity I-I’m sorry for waking you. P-please forgive me,” he unwrap his forelegs around me and folds his hooves in his lap lowering his head. My heart aches even more for the poor little thing so I continue to stroke his side.

“Connor, can you look at me please?” I speak as softly as I can as he raises his head to look up at me and I see a frown on his face. I softly close my eyes a bit to subdue the tears that threaten to shed and I let out a deep sigh. I open them up and look down warmly at him “Now little one, there is nothing to apologize for, okay?”

He nods lightly “Y-yes Ma’am,” he reaches up with one of his forelegs to wipe away his tears as I give him a sad smile. I can feel that this sweet child has been hurt deeply, but I don’t know what could have caused him so much pain. I shake the thought out of my head, because I don’t want to bother Connor with barraging him with a lot of questions.

As I sit on my haunches a he sit up against my fore leg, it reminds me of how my little sister Sweetie Belle would act after having a bad dream. I continue to gently stroke along Connor’s side as I feel him start to calm his shaking a little more and I look down at him “Connor, if it is okay for me to ask, did you have a bad dream?”

He nods as I see him carefully wrap his forelegs around mine again. I gently lift my hoof to stroke at his mane as I try to think of what to do for this small child to ease his fears. An idea pops in my head and I look down at Connor with a warm smile as I carefully levitate him up turning him gently onto his back. I raise my foreleg so it is underneath him and I slowly levitate him onto it with his head resting in the crook.

I sit back fully on my haunches as I lift my other foreleg up underneath the other one as I cradle him close to my chest fur. He looks up at me with a light smile with his little fore hooves folded together. I begin to slowly rock him in my forelegs as I give him a warm smile “I used to do this all the time with my little sister Sweetie Belle when she had nightmares Connor,” I lean my head down to lightly nuzzle at his cheek.

I see his smile grow a little and a blush come upon his cheeks. He looks up at me with the softest of blue eyes I have ever seen “M-Ms Rarity, is your sister nice like you?” His voice still so small as he asks.

A look of curiosity forms on my face, but I look down at him and nod “Oh yes darling, Sweetie Belle is very nice. I promise you will get to meet her and I know she will be happy to meet you,” I let out a small giggle as I continue to rock the little colt. I see him let out a soft yawn as he blinks his little eyes tiredly and I carefully nuzzle at his cheek one last time. I watch him softly close his eyes and I continue to rock him a little bit longer.

Making sure he is sleeping peacefully in my forelegs I look down at the makeshift bed and then at my bed as a thought occurs “Maybe just for tonight. Yes just for tonight, and I will try to find him a nicer and more comfortable place to sleep,” I carefully levitate him from my forelegs so not to disturb him and I trot over to climb onto my bed.

I lie down on my side and outstretch a foreleg as I levitate the little colt over to me. I lower him onto my bed and curl my foreleg around his small form as if I was cradling him. I pull the blankets over us and I nuzzle lightly at the top of his head as I see him curl up in my foreleg. I feel my tears start to sting my eyes once more as I see Connor smile softly as he sleeps.

“No Rarity, this is just temporary. You are unable to keep a colt, because you have a successful fashion business and you won’t have enough time to look after him,” I sigh contently for this is true. As I look at him I can’t help but smile “But he is just so precious and well-mannered. Yet when he talks, his voice is so small and broken, that I can feel he has been hurt,” I close my eyes softly to prevent my tears from trying to escape again.

Another sigh of content escapes my lips as I open my eyes back up to look at the little colt sleeping soundly cradled in my foreleg. I think to myself as I look at him “What in Equestria happened to you little darling?” I give him a sad smile as I let out a soft of my own. I give Connor one more light nuzzle on the cheek before closing my eyes to go to sleep.

A single tear falls and lands onto my pillow.

Chapter Three

As I awake to the soothing melody of the morning birds flowing through my opened bedroom window I let out a soft yawn and look over at the little colt sleeping peacefully with a little smile on his face. I can’t help but blush as I see his small form rise and fall gently as he breathes. It hurts me that I have to wake him, but the little darling needs to eat.

I carefully use my foreleg to gently stroke up and down his back as I speak softly “Connor it is time to wake up and get some breakfast darling,” my lips purse into a warm smile as I see him let out a soft yawn of his own. He blinks his little eyes open and gives me a soft smile as he lets out one last small yawn. “Good morning little one, did you sleep well after I rocked you?” I reach over with my free hoof to gently stroke a lone strand of hair in front of his eyes.

He sighs softly and gives me a little nod “Yes Ms. Rarity. I didn’t have any more bad dreams. Thank you,” he smiles softly at me as he stretches his little hind legs and forelegs.

“He is so well-mannered, but most of all precious,” I think to myself as I carefully unwrap my foreleg around him and climb out of the bed. I stretch out my legs and trot over to the window to inhale the morning air. “Ah… what a marvelous day it is today,” I say aloud as I smile brightly out at the town of Ponyville.

I watch as some of the towns ponies are outside at this time of day tending to their gardens while the fillies and colts are on their way to school. I turn to see Connor sitting on the edge of the bed with his back facing me, with his head lowered, and a look of concern appears on my face. I gently trot over to him, and sit on my haunches in front him, placing a hoof on his little fore hooves in his lap.

“Connor is everything alright darling?” I look at him with a sad smile as I gently rub at the top of his fore hooves.

He lets out a soft sigh and raises his head to look into my eyes with a little smile “Yes Ma’am. I am okay,” he looks down to see me rubbing at his little hooves with mine and sniffles. I reach up to stroke at his mane, and along his back. I give him a soft smile as I levitate him onto my back, and I feel him wrap his forelegs around my neck.

I trot out of my room to go downstairs until I pass by the bathroom. I decide to levitate his old raggedy clothes and towel with me, so I can get the towel washed, but throw the clothes away. “There is no reason for the poor dear to wear such horrendous clothes anymore,” I think to myself as I trot downstairs.

I enter the kitchen and carefully levitate Conner over to a chair at the kitchen table to sit. He places his hooves in his lap, letting out a deep sigh. I look at him with a soft smile “Connor darling, I am just going to put this towel up to wash, and I will be right back to fix you something to eat. Okay precious?”

He lifts his head, and gives me a light smile “Yes Ma’am,” he lowers his head back down.

I let out a calm sigh, but look at him with a sad smile. I go into the laundry room; throwing the dirty towel in the clothes basket to wash later, I make sure to dispose of the clothes into a trash bin, but as I levitate them I see something fall freely from the pants.

“Hmm… I wonder what that could be,” I think as I trot over to the fallen object. It appears to be just a plain piece of paper, and I levitate it to examine it. I can see that it is folded up, so I carefully open it, and what is written on it shatters my heart.

“I wish I had a mommy and daddy.”

I turn to look out to the kitchen at the poor child sitting quietly. “Oh dear, the little darling is… is… an orphan,” I gasp as tears threaten to escape. I close my eyes, and take a deep breath “Now Rarity, you got to try and calm yourself. You can’t let Connor see you upset, or he will be wondering what the matter is,” I exhale deeply as I open my eyes back up. I levitate the note over to a shelf with clean towels in it, and hide it behind them.

I sigh deeply as I return to the kitchen, and look over at Connor looking outside the window. I smile softly as I start to prepare his breakfast. I levitate a frying pan over to the stove, and go to the refrigerator to get a couple of eggs out.

I turn to look at him “Connor, if it is okay for me to ask, how would you like your eggs fixed?” I give him a warm.

“If it is okay Ms. Rarity, can you fix them scrambled?” He starts to shake, and I look at him worriedly.

“Of course darling, I will scramble them for you,” I let out a little giggle, and give him a warm smile.
I levitate a bowl out of the cabinets, and crack two eggs. I open the refrigerator to get some milk out to add just a little, so the eggs can be fluffy. I beat the eggs until they are good, and blended. I pour them into the frying pan, and start to cook them. I add just a pinch of salt, and pepper to season them.

I finish fixing the little colt’s plate, and I levitate a glass out of the cabinets to pour some orange juice in it. I smile at my work, and levitate the plate and glass over to the kitchen table. “Here you go Conner darling, I hope you like them.”

He looks up at me with a light smile “Thank you Ms. Rarity.” He takes his fork, and starts to eat at his eggs. He still takes such little bites, and small drinks of his juice.

I give him a warm smile, and nod “You are very welcome little one.” I carefully trot up beside him “Connor, I am just going to be upstairs making you a new outfit to wear. You just stay down here, and eat your breakfast. Okay darling?” I stroke gently at his mane, and he looks up at me.

“Yes Ma’am.” He goes back to eating at his eggs, and I exit the kitchen to go upstairs.

While I work on his new set of clothes, I can’t help but allow a single tear to fall to the floor. The new clothes I make him are a combination of pale blue shorts, a white and blue striped short-sleeve top, white wool socks, and to complete the set, a pair of plain white shoes. I smile proudly at the new clothes, and levitate them with me to go back downstairs.

As I trot back into the kitchen, I am amazed yet shocked at the same time at what I see. The small child is standing on his chair at the sink, and washing his dishes. I carefully trot up beside him “You didn’t have to do that precious. I would have done it after you finished eating,” I reach up, patting him on the back.

Even standing up on the chair he looks small, because he only comes up to eye level with me. He places his clean plate, and glass into the strainer to dry. He turns to me with a light smile “I didn’t want you to be mad at me Ms. Rarity for leaving a mess,” he gives me a frown and lowers his head, folding his hooves against his tummy.

I give him a sad smile, and wrap my foreleg around him, giving him a hug. I feel him lay his head on my shoulder, and I rub up and down his back. “Well, that was very good of you darling, but I would never be mad at such a sweet little thing like you.” I pull him back to see a light blush on his cheeks. I help him down off the chair, and levitate his new outfit over to him.

“I made these for you Connor so you can wear for today. We are going to go see a friend of mine. Her name is Twilight Sparkle, and she enjoys meeting new ponies such as you,” I stroke at his mane. “And today you will meet my little sister I told you about last night. She usually comes to stay with me for the rest of the day after she leaves school.”

He looks up at me with a light smile “Okay Ms. Rarity.”

“Now how about you go get changed, and I will be waiting for you downstairs so we can leave. Okay?” He gives me a light nod, and leaves the kitchen to go upstairs to the bathroom.

I watch him ascend the stairs, and let out a deep sigh. I hear the voice of my subconscious speak to me Oh Rarity, what have you gotten yourself into?

I close my eyes, and lower my head to ask myself quietly “Oh dear, what am I going to do?”

Chapter Four

As I wait for Connor to return from getting dressed, I trot into the laundry room to retrieve his letter, and levitate it with me to put in my saddlebags. I hope Twilight would know what to do when she reads this I think to myself as I levitate my saddlebags onto my back. I hear the door to my bathroom open, and at the top of the stairs appear the little colt in his new outfit.

I give a bright smile, and I can’t help but blush a light pink. “Aw… Connor, you look very handsome darling,” I use my magic to carefully levitate him downstairs. I reach a hoof up to rub at his shoulder “Are they comfortable little one?” I look down at him with a warm smile.

He looks up at me, and gives me a light nod “Yes Ma’am. Thank you,” he gives me a light smile, but lowers his head down to look at the floor. I frown as I look down at him, and I reach up to gently stroke at his mane. He lifts his head to look up at me, and I can see tears flowing down his cheeks.

I look over to my make-up studio where a tissue box sits, and I levitate a tissue over to wipe away his tears. I give him a light smile as I lower my hoof from his mane, and down to rub at his back soothingly. I look down into his eyes “Sweetheart, what’s the matter?”

Suddenly he wraps his little forelegs around my neck, and hugs me tightly, but he is so small that I don’t feel any pressure at all. I sit down on my haunches, and bring him in for a hug. I look down to see him lay his head against the warmth of my chest fur. I feel him start to shake with sobs against me, and my heart breaks, but I just continue to stroke up and down his back trying to comfort him.

I close my eyes softly as I feel my tears threaten to escape, and I let out a deep sigh. I open them back up, and look down at the shuddering little colt “Connor darling, please look at me darling,” I speak to him with the softest voice possible. He tilts his head back to look up at me, and I give him a sad smile “That’s better. Now little one, is something wrong with your outfit?” I give him a warm smile.

His tiny lips start to quiver, and he speaks between his sobs “No Ma’am.” I use the tissue to wipe at his tears some more, and he continues “It is just no one has ever been this nice to me before. Thank you Ms. Rarity for being nice to me,” he lays his head against the warmth of my chest fur once again.

I stroke from the back of his mane down his back, and lay my cheek on top of his head. My heart breaks as he continues to shake against me. I feel like asking him about where he came from, but deep down, I know I can’t pressure the poor child to say anything. I will just wait until he is ready to talk.

I continue to sit on my haunches, and hug him to me for a while longer until I can feel him calm his shaking. I rub along his back, and pat it as I look down at him “Do you feel better now sweetheart?” I give him a soft smile.

He nods lightly “Yes Ma’am,” his soft tone is so adorable to listen to, yet at the same time it saddens me to know that such a precious little child has been hurt so badly.

“Connor, let me tell you something. You don’t ever need to thank me for being nice to you. Do you understand darling?” He gives me a nod, and I stroke at his mane “Good.” I sit up on all fours, and levitate him on to my back “Now darling, let’s go see my friend Twilight.” I smile warmly as he wraps his forelegs around my neck.

After leaving the boutique and head towards the Golden Oaks Library, I notice that a few ponies look over at me with stares of shock. I can feel Connor start to shake against me with nervousness, and I place a hoof on his small ones around my neck. I gently stroke at them to try and comfort him.

I can hear him swallow deeply “Ms. Rarity, why are they staring at me for?”

I frown at the fear in his voice when he asks, and I stop for a little bit. I turn my head to look at him “Don’t worry about them darling. They just never seen a pony as handsome, and as precious as you,” I give him a reassuring smile. He gives me a light smile in return.

I continue to trot toward Twilight’s when I hear “Heya Rare, what’s happening?” I close my eyes, and let out a calm sigh, as I hear the voice of my friend, Rainbow Dash. I look up to see her hovering above me “Where are you heading?”

I roll my eyes a bit, but I give her a sincere smile “I am just heading over Twilight’s.” I give her a curious look “And what might you be doing on this fine morning Rainbow darling?”

She lowers down to the ground in front of me “Well, I was just doing my usual awesome tricks when I saw you.” She gives me a smirk, and then tilts her head to the side “Uh… Rare, what is that thing on your back?” She points at the little colt on my back, and trots over to my side eyeing Connor.

I feel him start to tremble a bit under the stare of Rainbow, and I look at her “Now Rainbow, don’t scare the poor little thing.” I give her a stern look, and I turn to the small child “Connor, there is no need to be afraid. This is my friend Rainbow Dash,” I give him a warm smile, and motion at Rainbow with a hoof.

He looks at me for reassurance, and I give him a light smile nodding. He looks up at Rainbow “Hi Ms. Rainbow,” he gives her a little smile.

I see her quirk an eyebrow “Uh… hey there kid,” I see her rub at the back of her neck with a hoof.

I motion her to come closer, and I whisper into her ear “I will explain when we get to Twilight’s.”

She nods at me with understanding, and looks back at the little colt “It is great to meet you too little guy,” she lets out a soft chuckle, and reaches up to ruffle at his mane. “I’m off weather patrol today anyway, so I will join you two,” she gives us a smirk, and hovers up in the air as we continue onto the library.

Upon arriving at the library I knock on the door, and I look back at Connor giving him a warm smile. The door opens to reveal my Spikey-Wikey, and I give him a soft smile. “Good morning Spike. How are you doing today?” I see the rich purple scales of his cheeks turn a rosy pink, and I can’t help but let out a soft giggle.

“H-hey there Rarity, I am doing okay,” he looks at Rainbow Dash “Hey Rainbow.” He steps aside to let us in “Come in milady,” he turns his head, and looks upstairs “Twilight! Rarity and Rainbow Dash are here.”

Rainbow Dash hovers in, and ruffles Spike’s head spines “Heya there dragon boy,” she lets out a chuckle as she hovers over to sit on the floor.

I pat Spike on the head, and give in him a wink “Thank you my Spikey-Wikey,” he blushes a deeper red, and I trot over next to Rainbow. I feel Connor shaking harder on my back, and I turn my head “Darling, what’s wrong?”

I see him bury his face in my neck, and point a hoof at Spike. Spike sees the small child pointing at him, and carefully walks over to us “Hey Rarity, what’s wrong with it?” He points a claw at Connor.

I give Spike a disapproving look “Now Spike, don’t be calling this precious little colt an ‘it’.” I turn to Connor and nuzzle at his cheek gently “Sweetheart, there is no reason to be afraid. Spike is just a baby dragon. He isn’t a big and mean fire breathing dragon.” He turns his head, and looks at me with his little lips quivering.

I carefully levitate him off my back, and onto the floor for him to stand. Spike reached out a claw toward Connor, and patted his shoulder. “Well hi there little guy. You don’t have to be afraid of me. I am a cool and nice dragon.” The little colt certainly was that, little. Spike being a small and short dragon he was stood above Connor by his chin.

“Hi there Mr. Spike,” he gives Spike a little smile. Spike scratches the back of his head with a claw, and looks at me curiously. I simply wave a hoof to let him know not to worry about as I look to see Twilight descending the stairs.

She gives us a bright smile “Hello girls. How are…” She stops herself when she spots the child, and trots up to him. “Well hello there little one, and who might you be?” She gives him a soft smile, but he backs up against me, and hugs my foreleg, burying his face into my fur. I feel him tremble against me, and I look at Twilight with a frown.

I use my free foreleg to gently rub along his back, and look down at him. “Connor it’s okay precious, there is no reason to be afraid,” he looks up at me, and carefully turns his head to look up at Twilight. I let out a sigh of relief, and continue to rub at his back as he hugs my foreleg. “Darling, this is Twilight Sparkle. She is the friend I told you about us coming to visit,” I give him a reassuring smile when he looks up at me.

Twilight looks at the child sadly, and very carefully trots closer. She lays down on all fours, so she won’t be threatening to him by standing at her full height. She reaches out a hoof, and holds one of his small ones in it “Well, hello there Connor. It is a pleasure to meet you,” she gives him a warm smile.

He gives her a light smile in return “Hello Ms. Twilight,” he speaks in his usual soft tone, and Twilight looks up at me.

I sigh calmly as I look down at him “Connor, how about you go find a nice book to read while me, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash talk, okay precious?” He looks up at me and nods. I turn to Spike “Spike dear, could you maybe help show Connor which is your favorite books?”

Spike nodded “Of course milady,” he give me a smile, and very gently takes Connor’s hoof in his claw “C’mon buddy, I’ll show you some real cool books.” He carefully walks to the bookshelf as the little colt follows him.

I motion for Rainbow and Twilight to trot over to the window with me so we can talk. Twilight is the first one to speak “Oh Rarity, he is so cute and very well-mannered.” She gives me a bright smile.

“Yeah, he is pretty cool, but what is up with him calling us Miss for?” Rainbow gives me a curious look.

I let out a deep sigh “First Twilight, do you think you could maybe find out what kind of creature Connor actually is?”

Twilight nodded “Of course Rarity,” she gives me a soft smile, lights up her horn, and levitates a book over to us. It is entitled The World of Ponies & Other Worldly Creatures. Twilight levitates through the pages until she smiles happily “Aha… here we go. By this book, Connor is known as what is called a human.”

Rainbow and I trade glances “A human?!” We both ask with curious expressions.

She nods at us, and continues to read. “Ah… very interesting creatures humans are,” she squints her eyes in concentration. “It says that humans are bipedal, meaning that they walk on two legs instead of four,” me and Rainbow Dash nod in wonder. “Also, their fore legs are known as arms, their hind legs are just known as legs, and both sets of hooves are called hands and feet.”

I blush as I look over at the little colt sitting with Spike reading a Daring Do book. So that is what his cute little hooves are called.

“Hmm… it also says they live on a planet called Earth, and the majority is made of water.” Me and Rainbow nod curiously as Twilight continues to read. Suddenly a shocked look creeps across her face, and we look at her worriedly.

“Twilight darling, what’s wrong? What does the rest of the book say?” I ask with deep concern in my voice.

She looks at us with wide eyes “It says that the choice of food for majority of humans is… meat.” She squeaks when she says the word.

I gasp, holding a hoof up to my chest, and look over at Connor with a sad smile as tears sting my eyes. Truly, the poor child doesn’t eat meat. He is so small, and he ate the tomato sandwich, and scrambled eggs I fixed him.

“Rarity, is something wrong?” The voice of Twilight knocks me out of my trance

“Oh I am sorry Twilight darling. It is just Connor is so sweet and well mannered, that I can’t fathom him eating meat,” I let out a deep sigh. “Girls, I found him sleeping in an alley with a Ponyville newspaper as his only blanket.” Twilight and Rainbow gasps softly so not to worry Spike and Connor.

Rainbow furrows her brows in confusion “Why would any pony leave a little colt outside?”

I allow a single tear to escape my eyes, and fall to the oak wood floor of the library, staining it. I turn toward my saddlebags, levitate the flap open, and levitate the note out. I unfold for the two to see “Read this girls,” they lean in close to read it.

They gasp, placing their hooves to their mouths. They turn to the little colt “That means that Connor is a…” Twilight spoke quietly before I gently cut her off.

“That’s right Twilight. Connor is an orphan,” we all three look at him with tears stinging our eyes. I give a light smile as I watch Spike point at pictures in the book, and both share a smile. I turn back to the two “When I found him, he was such poor condition. He had on raggedy and dirty clothes, and he looked like he haven’t eaten in days.” I allow more tears to shed.

“I just couldn’t leave the poor colt like that. So I brought him to the boutique, let him get washed up, and fixed him something to eat.” I smile tearfully over at the child “And I cradled him close to me last night, because he had a bad dream.”

“Okay Rarity that is enough. I am starting to get sappy, and I don’t like being sappy,” Rainbow says as she wipes at her eyes with a foreleg.

Twilight gives me a warm smile and rubs at my shoulder with a hoof “That is why you are the Element of Generosity Rarity.” I smile softly at the compliment. “But what are you going to do with Connor?”

I let out a content sigh “I don’t know Twilight, I honestly don’t know. I mean the precious child already melted my heart, but I have a busy life. I have a fashion business to run, and I also have a younger sister to watch after,” I lower my head. “Honestly, I don’t feel I have time to raise a little colt,” I sigh heavily.

Twilight and Rainbow nods in understanding. “I’ll tell what we will do Rarity. I will go talk with the others, and we can have a sleepover tonight. Then I will write a letter to Princess Celestia, and we will go from there, okay?”

I lift my head and give her a firm nod “That sounds like a marvelous idea Twilight.” I look over at the small child “First, I want to introduce Connor to Sweetie Belle. I think it will be good for him to meet some pony around his age.”

“A sleepover sounds cool to me. I will bring Scoots with me, and I am sure Applejack won’t mind bringing Applebloom with her. “She gives us a smirk, and we nod in agreement.

Twilight beams with excitement “So it is settled then. We will all meet here at seven o’ clock tonight, and I will write Princess Celestia.”

Rainbow and I nod in agreement. I look over at Connor with a warm smile

Don’t worry little one, we will take care of you. Everything will be alright.

Chapter Five

Upon arriving back home after leaving Twilight’s, I trot into the kitchen, and levitate Connor over to a chair at the table. I watch him as he folds his hands in his lap, and I trot over to him for a little bit. I reach a hoof up to gently rub at his back.

I give him a warm smile as he looks up at me “Connor darling, are you hungry?”

He gives me a light nod “Yes Ma’am.” I gently rub at his back, and lean my head down to plant a tender kiss on his forehead. A look mixed with surprise, and shock creeps across my face as soon as I lift my head up. I look down to see Connor with a surprised look of his own, and I turn to trot over to prepare his lunch.

I bite my lower lip nervously now Rarity, why would you go on and do something like that for? You are going to get the poor child attached to you, and then what? What about your business? I hate to agree the voice of my mind, but it does speak some truth.

I know, I know, but… I turn to look at him sitting quietly in his chair, and his head looking down at his lap how could I just abandon such a sweet, and innocent child like him? Especially after he already has been abandoned once? I turn my head away so I can get started fixing him something to eat.

I decide to fix the little colt a salad, along with a salad for Sweetie Belle, who should be here in just a few minutes. I open the refrigerator to gather some lettuce leaves, a tomato, and some orange slices. While I am placing the ingredients into a bowl, I can’t help but allow a stray tear to trickle down my cheek.

“Ms. Rarity, are you okay?” The concern in the little colt’s voice melts my heart.

I softly close my eyes to subdue any more tears, and turn my head toward him “Of course darling, I am okay. Thank you Connor, that is very nice of you to ask,” I give him a soft smile as I turn back to fixing his salad.

Suddenly I hear the bell above the door ring “Rarity I’m home.” I hear Sweetie Belle entering as I just finish the salads. I levitate the bowls over to the table, setting one in front of Connor, and the other bowl opposite of him. I levitate two forks over to put in the bowls, and watch as Sweetie Belle enters the kitchen.

“What did you make for… oh who’s that?” I see her beam with excitement, causing a spark of her horn.

I let out a soft giggle, and turn to Connor, but he doing like he did when I first met him. He sits in his chair with his legs up to his chest, and he is hugging them close with his arms. I frown at him, and look at Sweetie Belle who has a look of confusion on her face as she looks at me.

I carefully sit down on my haunches close to the chair, and reach up with a hoof to gently hands “Connor sweetheart, you don’t have to be afraid. This is just my little sister Sweetie Belle,” I gesture toward her with a hoof, and he slowly lifts his head.

She waves a hoof at the small child “Well hello there little guy. Please don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.” She carefully trots over to us, and sits on her haunches, reaching up a hoof to gently stroke at Connor’s side. He slowly unwrap his arms around his legs, and gives Sweetie a light smile. “See there Connor, I’m not a mean pony.” She gives him a big smile.

“Hi Sweetie Belle,” I smile warmly at the two of them, but I can sense a bit of concern on Sweetie Belle’s face as Connor goes back to eating at his salad.

I place a hoof on Sweetie’s shoulder “I fixed you salad for lunch Sweetie Belle along with Connor. Come and sit down,” she nods at me and trots over to the chair across from Connor, and sits down.

“Mm… thanks sis,” I give her a soft nod, and I go over to fix some tea for me.

While I prepare the tea I look over my sister “How was school today Sweetie Belle?” I give her a quirked eyebrow, and pursed my lips curiously.

I hear her let out a content sigh “For once, class was exciting today. Ms. Cheerilee taught us the history of the Everfree Forest.” I see her beam once again, and I let out a light giggle.

I finish fixing my tea, and levitate it with me over to the kitchen table “Well, that sounds interesting indeed Sweetie, but I hope you don’t plan on going in the Everfree with your friends. It is just too dangerous,” I let out a deep sigh, and sip at my tea.

“But sis… me and the girls could get our cutie marks as explorers,” she gave me a hopeful smile, but I shook my head.

“No buts Sweetie Belle. I said it is too dangerous, and I won’t want anything bad to happen to my little sister, “I give her a warm smile.

She let out a disgruntled sigh “Alright Rarity, we won’t go into the Everfree Forest.” She returned to eat at her salad.

I look over at the little colt, and see that he has his gaze frozen at his bowl as he finishes up his salad. The poor child, I wonder if he ever attended school on Earth. I take another sip at my tea as I give him a light smile “Connor sweetheart, how about you go on upstairs, and get your pajamas for the sleepover tonight? I want to talk to Sweetie Belle for just a little bit, okay precious?”

He lifts his head up to look at me, and gives me a light smile in return “Yes Ma’am.” He carefully climbs off the chair, and exits the kitchen to walk upstairs. I keep an eye on him to make sure he gets up to the top safely.

I turn to see Sweetie with a sad smile on her face “Is something wrong Rarity?” I sigh deeply as I use my magic to open my saddlebags over at my lounge, and I levitate Connor’s letter over to me. I trot over to Sweetie Belle, and sit down next to her, giving her the letter.

“I think you should read this Sweetie Belle,” I give her a sad smile, and I unfold the piece of paper.

I watch her as she reads it, and then she turns to me with a look of confusion etched on her face. “But Rarity, you already have a mommy, daddy, and me as your little sister.” She let out a little giggle.

I solemnly shake my head, and let out a sigh of content. “No Sweetie, I didn’t write this note. Connor did,” I rub at her shoulder with a hoof.

A few seconds pass until Sweetie looks at me with tears in her eyes, threatening to escape. “You mean the little guy… doesn’t have a mommy or daddy?” I give her a sad nod. “Oh the poor sweetie,” she looks at me with wonder “What are you going to do Rarity?”

I shake my head lightly “Honestly Sweetie, I don’t know. That is why tonight, we are going to go over to Twilight’s for a sleepover. Scootaloo, Applebloom, and the others are going to be there, and I can let them meet Connor.” I let out another deep sigh. “Twilight will write a letter to Princess Celestia, and we will go from there.”

She gives me a bright smile “That sounds like a great idea Rarity! I know that Scootaloo and Applebloom like to meet him.”

I give her a warm smile “I know they will too Sweetie Belle, but I don’t want you to say anything to your friends. Not until he feels like he is ready to tell us. Do you understand me? I give her a soft, yet stern look, and she nods.

She looks at me with a curious look “Rarity, where did you find Connor at?”

I sigh deeply, and look at her with a sad smile “I found him sleeping in one of the alley ways in town. He was sleeping under a copy of the Ponyville Newspaper, and was in poor condition. So I brought him here, got him cleaned up, and fixed him something to eat. He’s been here since last night.”

Sweetie Belle frowned at me, and was about to speak when we heard a soft small voice “Ms. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, I’m ready.” We trot into the den, and look up to see Connor with his pajamas folded in his arms. We smile warmly at him as I levitate him downstairs, and onto my back.

I turn my head to him “Okay darling. When we get to Twilight’s, I am going to introduce you to my other friends. I promise you that you will like them,” I give him a light smile, and he gives me a light nod.

I look to Sweetie Belle “Are you ready Sweetie Belle?” She nods vigorously, and we exit the boutique to head toward the library.

I hope Princess Celestia would know what to do about the poor little dear.

Author's Note

I wanted to do this chapter primarily with Connor meeting Sweetie Belle, and Rarity telling Sweetie Belle about Connor's situation. Next, the sleepover. :twilightblush:

Chapter Six

As we make our way towards the library, I can feel the small child shaking on my back, and I gently place my hoof over his little hands, patting them. I turn to look at him with a warm smile “Connor darling, don’t be afraid. I promise you will like my friends. They are very nice, and they would be happy to meet you.” He gives me a light smile.

Sweetie Belle reaches up to rub at his back “Yeah little guy, you will like meeting my friends, Scootaloo and Applebloom. They would be happy to meet such a sweet little cutie like you.” She gives him a big smile, and I turn to see him blushing. I can’t help but blush myself at the sweet little colt’s shyness at the comment.

We approach the library, and I knock on the door with a hoof. I can feel Connor curl up on my back, and when I turn to look at him, I see him hiding under my mane. Sweetie Belle looks at me with a look of worry and I lightly shake my hoof at her to let her to not pay any mind as the door opens revealing my Spikey-Wikey. He steps aside to let us in, and Sweetie Belle trots in first to go join the other two fillies.

I smile softly at the little drake “Thank you Spike.” I pat the scales on top of his head, and trot inside. I giggle as I see him gush in my presence.

He looks around, then leans up to ask me “Rarity, where is the little guy at?” I give a light smile as I gently move my mane back some to reveal the little colt. “Oh. Hi there buddy,” he whispers to Connor waving a claw at him. I smile softly as I turn to see the girls chatting with one another, and make my way to the center of the library.

“Howdy there Rarity,” the loud country drawl of Applejack causes Connor to shake on my back as I trot up to the group.

“Hello Applejack darling,” I nod my head softly at her. I look over at Pinkie and Fluttershy “Hello to you dears as well.” I give a soft smile.

“Um… hello Rarity,” Fluttershy speaks with her usual timid tone.

Maybe the child would be better off with Fluttershy than you Rarity. All she has going for her is caring for animals, and I am sure she wouldn’t mind adding another pet to her collection.

What?! How dare you call this precious little darling a pet! What nerve!

The inner battle between my mind and my heart is tearing me apart for how to care for this child. I shake away the thoughts for now as I smile at the group, and take a seat down between Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

I look over to see Pinkie Pie with an ear-splitting grin on her face. “Hey Rarity, where is our special little guest for the sleepover? Twilight and Dashie told us all about him!” She beams excitedly as I let out a deep sigh.

I turn my attention to my mane, and lean into speak to the small child “Sweetheart, you can come out now. My other friends would like to meet you.” I watch as he peeks out from underneath my mane, and I give him a reassuring smile. I feel him carefully climb off my back onto the wooden floor, and he stands closely beside me as he looks up at all of us with a light smile, but he shakes nervously.

I give him a reassuring smile as I look over at the girls “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, I would like for you to meet Connor.” I look back at the little colt who gives a little wave of his hand at the three.

Applejack is the first one to greet the child “Well, howdy there Connor. My name is Applejack, and it is a pleasure to meet ya little feller.” She tips her hat to the child, and gives him a warm smile. He gives her a light nod in return.

Pinkie Pie sits up on her haunches, bouncing up and down, and beams with excitement. “Hi there! I am Pinkie Pie, and I love to throw parties! I will throw you a ‘Welcome to Ponyville” party! You will love it. There will be games, cake, cookies, candy, balloons…” She is silenced by a hoof on the mouth by Applejack.

“Easy there Pinkie. We all know ya love parties and all that what not, but don’t be scaring the little critter with all your fast talking.” She looks over at Connor who lets out a little giggle of his own, and I am very surprised. “Sorry about that sugarcube. Pinkie can get a little bit over excited about meeting new ponies.”

Pinkie Pie blows a raspberry Applejack, sticking her tongue out. “Oh Applejack, you are just being a party pooper pony.” She shakes her head and looks back at Connor “Anyways little sweetie, it is good to meet you.”
I hear a squee come from Fluttershy as she is the last one to greet Connor. “Well hello there little one, my name is Fluttershy. I help care for all animals here in Ponyville both big and small, and anytime you want to come meet my animal friends, you are more than welcomed to.” She smiles brightly at him “Um… I am also happy to meet you too Connor.”

I smile at the three and turn to Connor “See there darling, I told you that they were very nice.” I rubbed along his back with a hoof.

I hear him swallow deeply as he looks at the three. “Hello Ms. Applejack, Ms. Pinkie, and Ms. Fluttershy. It is nice to meet you all too.” He gives a light smile, but lowers his head at the floor. The others look on concerned at him, but I just wave a gentle hoof at them.

After I introduce Connor, Sweetie Belle comes trotting up to us. She looks at me with a hopeful smile “Rarity, can I introduce the little cutie to Applebloom and Scootaloo?”

I give her a nod, and look at Connor “Darling, will it be okay if Sweetie introduces you to her friends?” I rub along his back, and he looks up into my eyes, then turns to look at Sweetie Belle and back at her friends.

He gives me a light nod “Yes Ma’am, it will be okay.” He gives me a light smile.

I see Sweetie gently take his little hand in her hoof “C’mon Connor, I promise you will like them.” She gently guides him over to the other two fillies.

I give them both a warm smile and turn back to the others. “So Rarity, is it true that ya found the little feller sleeping in an alley?” Applejack asks me with a curious, yet concerned look.

I sadly nod “Yes Applejack darling, it’s true.” I let out a heavy sigh, and feel a hoof on my shoulder belonging to Twilight to comfort me.

I hear the sniffle of Fluttershy as I turn to see tears threatening to escape her eyes. “Oh the poor dear, why would some pony do that to such a sweet and well-mannered little colt?”

“Ah don’t know, but what are ya going to do Rarity? Ah mean, Ah know that ya care for the little feller, but ya never raised a colt before, except for Sweetie Belle. At least ya both have your parents that helped ya raise her. How do ya plan on raising a child, and that child is not even a pony?”

I look at Applejack with a sad smile “I don’t know Applejack. I…” I feel myself on the verge of tears when Twilight gently rubs my shoulder.

She looks at Applejack “Don’t worry about it Rarity. That is why I am going to write a letter to Princess Celestia, and see what we can do about Connor.” We all nod in agreement as Twilight levitates a scroll and quill over to us.

“Spike, can you come here for a minute?” She calls out for the sweet little gentledrake.

“Yes Twi?” He salutes with a claw, and sees the quill and scroll. Knowing what is going to happen next, he grabs the quill and scroll. “Ready when you are Twilight.”

Dear Princess Celestia,

Last night my friend, and the Element of Generosity, Rarity discovered a small, abandoned, and very young colt. He was sleeping in one of the many alleys here in Ponyville, and for his only source of warmth was a copy of the Ponyville newspaper. Rarity felt for the poor child, so she took him to her home, got him cleaned up, and let him stay them.

Earlier this morning, she introduced the little colt to me and my friend, and Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash. His name is Connor, he is five years old, but what is more striking is that he is a part of species called humans. Rarity discovered a note that the little colt had written, and on it was ‘I wish I had a mommy and daddy’, making us believe that Connor is an orphan.

We decided to have a sleepover for Connor to meet the other Elements of Harmony. I am writing this letter in hopes that you and your sister, Princess Luna can inform us on what we should do about Connor. We will be awaiting your reply.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

“Alright Spike, send it.” She gives Spike a smile, and he breathes his emerald flame over the scroll, making it vanish. “Now, we just wait until morning. It is getting late, so I think we all need some shuteye.” Me and other girls nod in agreement.

The three fillies come over to join us. Applebloom lies down to snuggle with Applejack, Scootaloo lies with Rainbow Dash, Spike and Twilight goes upstairs, and Sweetie Belle comes over to lay with me. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie lie next to each other, Pinkie flipping onto her back, and Fluttershy curling up. As I look around, I see Connor standing off in the distance at the window looking out.

I frown at the small child “Connor darling, you can come over here, and lie down. You can lie down on my other side, okay precious?” I give him a warm smile as he carefully walks over to us.

He gives me a light smile “Thank you Ms. Rarity.” He sits down on his knees as I levitate an extra pillow over for him to lay on. My heart melts as he scoots onto the pillow and curls up into a little ball, and closes his eyes softly letting out a little yawn.

I lean my head down and nuzzle at his cheek gently “Goodnight sweetheart. Sweet dreams Connor.” I see him smile softly in his sleep, and I turn to nuzzle at Sweetie Belle. “Goodnight baby sister. Sweet dreams.” I lay my head down on my fore hooves and drift off to sleep myself.

Oh, please let Princess Celestia know what to do.

Chapter Seven

During the night as I sleep soundly, I can hear a faint weeping sound, and I immediately open my eyes to see where it’s coming from. I look around at the others to see they are still sleeping, including Sweetie Belle, but as I turn to my other side, I don’t see Connor. I feel my heart break as I listen to the weeping, and I realize that it’s his.

Being careful not to wake Sweetie Belle, I very carefully stand up, and I try to hear exactly where he is. I quietly trot to the door, my hooves lightly touching the wooden floor of the library, and I slowly open it with my magic. I feel tears sting my eyes as I see the little colt sitting with him hugging his legs to his chest, looking up at the moon of Princess Luna.

I let out a soft sigh and carefully trot outside, closing the door silently behind me. “Connor darling, is everything okay?” I speak as soft as I can so not to scare the poor dear. I trot close to him and sit down on my haunches.

“Oh…yes Ms. Rarity…I…I’m okay. I’m sorry if I woke you. Please don’t be mad at me,” he speaks with a scared tone, looking up at me with tears flowing freely down his cheeks.

Aw… you poor, poor dear. I carefully reach a hoof over to him, and rub along his back soothingly. “Shh… it’s okay darling, you didn’t wake me up. I usually like to come outside during the night to gaze at beauty of Princess Luna’s moon.” I continue to rub at his back as I look down at him.

Oh, that is the right thing to do Rarity, lie to the kid. I didn’t lie. I really do enjoy looking at Luna’s moon at night.

I shake away my thoughts as I turn back to look up at the sky. “Ms. Rarity, can I ask you something… if it’s okay?” Connor asks and I look down at him, giving him a soft nod.

“Of course precious, what is it?” I reach up and stroke at his mane, looking down at him with curiosity mixed with concern. I watch him as he starts to shudder, turning his head to the side from my eyes, and he starts to whimper.

“Ms. Rarity… do you think I… I’m ugly?” His little lips quiver, looking up at me with his eyes flooded with tears, and shuddering with sobs.

Without hesitation, I immediately pull him into a hug, pressing him gently to the warmth of my chest. I lay my head carefully over his, with my chin on top, and allow him to release his tears into my chest fur. I rub my foreleg up and down his back soothing, trying to calm his shuddering.

You know Rarity, his tears are going to ruin your beautiful coat that you have worked so hard on to make pristine and delicate. Oh would you please hush! I don’t care about the condition of my fur. I can always get it cleaned. Right now this child needs to be comforted.

After a couple more minutes of hugging Connor close to me, I feel him calm down some, and I lift my head, looking down at him. I reach up and stroke at his mane “Sweetheart, of course I don’t think you are ugly. You are a handsome, sweet, and very well-mannered young boy Connor.” I give him a reassuring smile, but give him a soft, stern look. “Why would you ask such a question like that?”

He looks up at me, sniffling as his lips quiver. “Sir always called me ugly, and said that is why my mommy and daddy didn’t want me.” He lowers his head, shuddering with sobs once again, and I can see his tears fall from his face, and strike the ground.

I place a hoof gently under his chin, lifting his head up so I can look down into his eyes, and I let out a soft sigh. I reach up with my other hoof to wipe away his tears. Well, he is speaking a little. Yet I don’t want to push him to continue. I will just let him tell me a little bit at a time. I pull him to me again, gently wrapping both of my forelegs around his small form.

I hold him close to me, allowing him to release that pain, and sorrow through his tears. I hold one foreleg gently around his shoulders, rubbing along his back with the other, and I lay my cheek on the top of his head. I allow a single tear to roll down my cheek, and I give him a tender kiss on the top of his head.

I finally release him from my embrace and look down at him, stroking at his mane. “Listen to me Connor. Don’t ever feel that you are ugly, on the outside, or especially on the inside. True ugliness exists in those hurtful things that ruffian said to you.” I wipe away the last remainder of his tears with a hoof, giving him a warm smile.

Rubbing at his back soothingly some more, I see him give me a light smile. “Also Connor, I want to let you know how truly sorry I am about your mother and father leaving you alone like that. However, I don’t want you to ever feel that it is your fault that they done that to you. Do you understand me darling?”

He sniffles, giving me a light nod “Yes Ma’am,” he speaks with a hushed tone.

I pat his back softly, and give him a warm smile. “Good. Now let’s go get some more rest until morning, okay?” He gives me a nod, and I give him a gentle kiss on the forehead as I open the door with my magic. I allow him to go in first, and then I turn to look up at Princess Luna’s moon.

Oh I sure do hope that Celestia will know what to do. For now though, I cannot, and shall not abandon this precious little child.

Author's Note

Little by little, Connor is telling his story, but Rarity being the Element of Generosity won't push him to go any further until he feels it is time. Next chapter, a visit to Canterlot Castle.

Chapter Eight

A blanket of warmth washes over as Princess Celestia’s sun shines in through the library’s window, and I start to stir in my sleep. I let out a delicate yawn, blinking my eyes open, and stretching out my forelegs. I turn to see that Sweetie Belle is gone, and I look around to see that the other two fillies are gone too.

Hmm… they must have already gone to school. I let out another light yawn, and I watch as the girls start to wake up. I turn my head to look at Connor, who is sleeping peacefully, curled up close to my side, and I can’t help but to melt on the inside, with a warm smile etched upon my face.

“Good morning Rarity, did Connor sleep good last night?” Twilight asks me in a whisper, so not to wake the sleeping child.

I turn to her, letting out a heavy sigh, and reply in a whisper of my own. “Well… yes and no.” I look to see each of the girls give me a look of confusion. “Last night, while I was sleeping, I heard the sound of some pony weeping. After I listened to it for a little bit longer, I could tell that it was Connor’s.” I turn to him, giving a frown, and I carefully lift a hoof to stroke gently at his side.

“Oh…oh my, what was wrong with him Rarity…um… if it’s okay for me to ask?” Fluttershy asked with her eyes filling up with tears.

I continue to stroke along Connor’s small form as he lay sleeping. “I followed the sound of his crying, and it came from outside. So I carefully opened the door, and I watched him as he looked up at Princess Luna’s moon.” I let out a heavy sigh “My heart broke at the sight of him, because he was hugging his legs up to his chest, and shaking with sobs.”

I look to see the others with concerned looks on their face as they watch him sleeping.

“Sugarcube, did the little feller tell ya what was bothering him?” Applejack gave me a serious look, mixed with worry.

I nod sadly at her “Yes Applejack darling.” I feel tears threaten to escape as I recall that dreadful question he asked of me. “Girls, he asked me if I thought he was ugly.”

“WHAT?!” They gasp, but thankfully Connor remains sleeping.

“Why would the cute little cupcake think he is ugly for?” Pinkie asks as her usually puffy mane and tail slowly deflates.

I look over at her with a sad smile. “He told me that this ‘Sir’ called him ugly. He also told Connor that is why his mother and father gave him away.” I allow a tear to roll down my cheek, striking the wooden floor, and I turn to look at the small child.

“What kind of jerk would say that to a little colt?” Rainbow Dash hovers in the air, pounding her fore hooves together.

I look up at her “I don’t know Rainbow darling, but I comforted him by pulling him to me, and giving him a long, warm, and comforting hug.” I turn to look at Connor, and smile warmly as I give him a light kiss on the top of his head.

“Twilight,” we hear Spike say as he comes waddling down the steps. He pants heavily as he walks over to her, carrying a scroll.

“Oh, thank you Spike. Let’s see if Princess Celestia can tell us what to do about Connor.” Twilight uses her magic to levitate the scroll from Spike’s claw, removes the seal, and unrolls it.

We look at her and carefully listen as she begins to read the letter.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

After reading about the discovery of a young human child by your friend and fellow element, the Element of Generosity, Rarity, Luna and myself would be more than delighted to meet the little one. In case you have forgotten my faithful student, tonight is the Annual Grand Galloping Gala, and I believe it will be a good occasion to meet this child. We are truly sorry for the little one for being an orphan, and we hope we can make him feel welcomed here in Equestria.

I am sending you eight tickets. We will be waiting for your arrival tonight.

Your mentor and friend,

Princess Celestia

“Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is tonight?! I got to get home so I can start making the little darling a nice suit to wear.” I look over to see Connor still sleeping, and not having the heart to wake him up, I carefully levitate him onto my back as I slowly stand up.

“Do you want to have breakfast with us Rarity before you leave?” Twilight asks with a soft smile.

I look at her and the others “Thank you Twilight, but I will fix us something for breakfast when we get back home.” I give them a warm smile. “I will meet you girls here tonight, and we shall leave for Canterlot Castle.” I wave a hoof at them, as they wave in turn, and I turn to trot out of the library on the way home.

How could I have forgotten such a marvelous occasion such as the Grand Galloping Gala? Well, that is simple, you allowed yourself to be drawn in by the small child, and totally forgot about the biggest night of your life. The night where you can meet the richest of ponies who will be willing to buy your designs.

Well, yea that is true, but how can you say such a thing about Connor like that?! I was not drawn into caring for him, he needs some pony to take care of him, even if it has to be me, then so be it!

That is a good attitude to have for watching after the child Rarity, but think about all the stares, whispers, and gossip you will hear tonight. Those high in society are going to think of you as nothing but a charity case, allowing the simplest of creatures into your home.

Oh be quiet! I will handle all of that when or if it ever happens. For now though, I got a suit to make for the sweet little darling, and you are not going to prevent me from doing so. So just leave me alone!

As I approach the boutique, I turn around to look at Connor curled up on my back, hidden under my mane, and I smile warmly.

Oh dear, what am I going to do?

Author's Note

Well, on the way to Grand Galloping Gala. Also, it seems like that Rarity's inner battler is getting stronger with each moment. :pinkiegasp:

Chapter Nine

After returning home with Connor after the sleepover, the day seems to speed by as fast as Rainbow when she is in a race, and now the time draws near for the gala to arrive. I watch him with a warm smile on my face while he eats a tomato sandwich I wanted to fix him before we leave for the event. There is a feeling of affection I have for the little darling which flows through my heart, and I can’t fight it.

Oh no. Please tell me you aren’t considering what I think you are considering.

Would you please be quiet?! I don’t know what I am going to do about Connor yet. Besides, why do you care so much about my decision concerning the care of this sweet child?

I just don’t want to see you throw all the years of hard work you have put into your career as fashonista away over a little kid. Also, he is going to embarrass you at the gala. Just imagine all those high class, sophisticated Canterlot ponies would be gawking, and gossiping about how a top notch clothes designer has lowered herself by taking in foreign creatures. Even worse, what if they would to say you have lowered yourself by taking in a lowly peasant.

“Shut up…shut up…shut up!” I yell, clenching my eyes shut, and slamming my hooves down on the table releasing my frustration. I’ve had enough of this nagging voice inside my head jabbing away at me with it’s narcissistic remarks, and hurtful words about Connor. Suddenly I hear the shatter of glass, and I shoot my eyes open to look over at the child with a look of fear in his eyes, trembling like a leaf, and I turn to see his glass of apple juice on the floor.

“Please Ms. Rarity, don’t hurt me. I didn’t mean to… it was an accident.” He lets out a whimper, and huddles himself up into a ball on the chair.

My heart aches as I see him like this as I levitate a dish rag over to wipe up the spilt juice, and levitate it into the laundry room to be washed later. I then levitate the broom and dustpan over to sweep up the broken glass, and throw away in the garbage. I turn my attention to Connor still trembling in his chair, and I carefully trot over to him.

He is whimpering, shuddering with sobs, and hugging his torso with his little arms. I see his small lips quivering, and I feel tears sting my eyes. I lift a hoof up, and gently stroke at his side to maybe try and calm him down.

“Connor darling, I would never hurt you for making a mess, and it was just a little one. Please sweetheart, calm down.” I give him a warm, reassuring smile, and I can feel him start to calm his shaking under the touch of my hoof as I continue to stroke at his side. I sit down on my haunches by the chair, looking at him softly “I am so sorry precious for yelling like that earlier, and scaring you.”

He carefully sits up in the chair, reaching up with a hand to wipe at his eyes, where a couple tears shed. He folds his hands in his lap, looking up into my eyes “N…no Ms. Rarity, you don’t need to be sorry for anything. I’m sorry for making a mess…I didn’t mean to.” He lowers his head to look down at his lap.

I use my hoof to rub up and down his back soothingly. I lean my head down to try and look into his eyes, until I spot silent tears rolling down his cheeks. I feel him shake under the touch of my hoof, and I can’t help but immediately pull him against my chest. I stroke at his side, laying my head on top of his, and making soft shushing sounds into his mane.

Aw…c’mon, not now. There is just a few minutes left until you have to meet your friends at Twilight’s, and leave for the gala. Do you have to do this now with the kid? He is a real baby.

You know what, for a voice of the mind, you sure do sound purely infantile. Now please silence yourself so I can give this child some comfort. There is something obviously bothering him, and you are just being senseless.

I let out a heavy sigh, stroking at the little darling’s side a little more, before carefully pulling him back to look down into his tear-stained eyes. I levitate a tissue over to wipe away at the tears on his cheeks, and I give him a warm smile. “Do you feel better now Connor?” I continue to hold him in my foreleg, with his back laying against the crook.

He sniffles, looking up at me, and gives me a light nod. “Yes Ma’am.” I smile warmly down at him, and give him a gentle kiss on the forehead.

“Sweetheart, may I ask you something?” He looks up at me and gives me a light nod. “Why do you think I would ever hurt you for making a simple mistake, such as spilling your apple juice? Does it have to do with that ‘Sir’ you told me about last night?”

His small lips quiver as he looks up at me, giving me a solemn nod. “Yes Ma’am.” He takes in a deep breath, shuddering a little, but I keep him wrapped in my foreleg, and stroke at his side. “When I would make a mess, Sir would yell at me, calling me a useless brat, and said that I was a waste of fresh air.” He shudders harder against my foreleg, and I pull him close against me.

He sniffles, looking up at me, and I feel tears stinging my eyes as I listen for him to continue “Sometimes he would… he would…” He becomes silent as he lowers his head again to look at his folded hands in his lap.

I stroke at his side soothingly “It’s okay darling, you can tell me. What would he do?” I lean in to nuzzle at his head comfortably.

He inhaled deeply, exhaling deeply, and continued. “He would beat me with his big leather belt.” He cries out as he turns to me, wrapping his arms tightly around my neck, but it doesn’t hurt me at all.

I immediately wrap him up with both of my forelegs, laying my head on his shoulder, with his on mine, and I feel him shaking hard with sobs. I hold him close with one foreleg, and rub along his back softly with the other one. “Oh, you poor baby, I am so sorry Connor you had to endure that.” I can’t hold my tears in any longer, and I allow them to roll down my cheeks.

I turn my head to gently kiss at his cheek, as I feel him release his tears into my fur. “Shh…. It’s okay darling, you don’t nothing to be afraid of anymore. I’ll protect you Connor…Shh.” I stroke along his back some more.

How dare that ruffian hurt such a precious little child?!

After several more minutes of holding Connor close, rubbing his back soothingly, and gently cooing to him, he is finally able to calm down. I give him a warm smile as he turns his head to look at me. “It’s okay precious, everything will be alright, I promise.” I give him a tender kiss on the forehead, and I gently levitate him onto my back.

I turn to smile softly at him “Now let’s go get dressed for the gala, and we will meet the girls at Twilight’s, okay sweetheart?” He gives me a light nod, and I trot out of the kitchen to head to my inspiration room.

I’m going to have to talk with the others and the princess tonight after the gala, but it looks like I have a choice to make.

Author's Note

Next chapter is the gala, and expect a certain bratty, arrogant, and snobbish prince to be present. :pinkiegasp:

Chapter Ten

As nightfall arrives, we are aboard the Friendship Express, heading toward the Grand Galloping Gala. We chose to travel via train, because we thought it would be better than last time we attended, which was by carriage. That year was such a debacle that it gives me the shivers just thinking about it.

I just hope I don’t run into that pompous, pitiful excuse for a prince, Prince Blueblood.

I sit with the girls on the train as I look over at Connor sitting with Spike, smiling softly on the outside, but on the inside, my heart is aching after what transpired earlier ago. How can such a creature as horrid as that ‘Sir’ hurt a young, defenseless like Connor? The thought of the little darling getting hurt like that jabs at me like a jagged shard of crystal.

“Um… Rarity, are ya alright there sugarcube?” I am taken out of my focus on Connor by Applejack, and I turn to her.

I let out a heavy sigh “Well Applejack darling, no… no I’m not.” I frown at her and the others “Girls, can I tell you something?” I look at them with a hopeful look, and they all nod at me.

“Of course Rarity, you can tell us anything. What is it?” Twilight looks at me with a curious, yet bright smile.

I look over at Connor as my smile betrays me, turning into a frown. “Before we left the boutique… I kind of yelled, and I scared Connor.” They gasp at me “Well, it wasn’t like I did it on purpose though. It was a complete accident, and I was yelling at myself.” I lower my head, looking at the floor.

I feel a hoof on my shoulder, and lift my head to see Applejack. “Why in tarnation would ya be yelling at yourself Rarity?” She asked with a concerned look on her face.

I let out content sigh “Well… I’ve been having this voice in my head that has been nagging me about how I should handle this situation with Connor. However, it’s also been speaking hurtful things about the little one and my heart fights back at it…and…and…” I clench my eyes shut as a single tear falls to the floor.

“That’s your conscience fighting back at the voice in your head Rarity.” I look up to see Twilight looking at me with deep worry. “And I believe that voice in your head is your doubts of how to care for Connor.” I sniffle, wiping away my tears with a hoof, and let out a heavy sigh.

I look over at him “Also, he told me more about what that ‘Sir’ done to him and it was horrendous.” I can’t help but purse my lips in anger at the thought.

“Whoa there Rare, what did the little guy tell you?” Rainbow asks me as they all leaned in closer and waited for me to continue.

“When I fixed him something to eat before we left, he accidentally dropped his glass of apple juice, making a mess. My heart broke when I saw fear in his eyes, afraid that I would hurt him for making a mess, and he curled up in a little ball on the chair, trembling like a leaf.” I sigh heavily before continuing “After I wiped up the apple juice and swept up the broken glass, I pulled him to me in a hug to calm him down.”

Applejack reached over to rub at my shoulder “Then what happened sugarcube?”

“He told me that ruffian would yell at him for making a simple mistake such as a mess, but what’s worse is that he would beat the defenseless child with a leather belt.” I clench my eyes shut tight, shaking my head allowing more tears to flow.

I feel warmth surrounding me, and I open my eyes to see the girls giving me a big, warm group hug. I give a soft smile “Thank you girls. I needed that very much.” I let out a soft sigh, sniffling, and wipe away the remainder of my tears.

As we approach the train station of Canterlot I look nervously at the girls “Also girls, I have been thinking.” They look at me curiously as I make sure Connor is still out of hearing range, and I turn back to them. “I have been thinking about… maybe… uh… making Connor a permanent member of my family.” I swallow nervously as the others look at me with a mix of reactions.

Silence is the only thing that occurs between us as the train comes to a stop. We carefully stand up to exit the train as I trot up to Connor. I smile warmly down at him “Connor darling, would you like to ride on my back or would you like to try and walk?”

He looks up at with the lightest of smiles. “Ms. Rarity, if it’s okay… I think I will try to walk, but could I stay close to you so I don’t get lost?” He looks up at me with a hopeful smile.

I give him a nod, smiling warmly “Of course sweetheart. I promise Connor, I won’t let you get lost, and you will have a good time at the gala.” I gently kiss him on the top of his head, and turn toward the others who have warm smiles on their face, but I can tell they are conflicted with my possible decision.

As we exit the train, I take in one final deep breath, and exhale deeply. Well, it appears that it’s going to be a long night.

We begin our trek to the castle for the Grand Galloping Gala.

Author's Note

I apologize for this chapter being the shortest, but I wanted Rarity to let the girls know more about what Connor told her about 'Sir', and also her choice of possibly taking in Connor for good.

Chapter Eleven

As we approach the castle and about to go in, I feel the little arms of Connor wrap around my foreleg, and I look down at him. He starts shaking, looking up at me with a deeply nervous expression on his face. I look to see the other with worried looks, and I gently reach around with my free foreleg to gently hug him back.

I let out a soft sigh as I look at them “It’s okay girls, go on ahead inside. We’ll be in there in a minute.” I give them a soft smile and they return me one and turn to trot inside. I look back down at the small child, rubbing at his back soothingly with my free hoof, and give him a warm smile. “Connor darling, is something the matter?” I reach up to stroke at his mane.

He looks up at me with his little lips quivering. “Ms. Rarity, I never been to a place like this before. What if I embarrass you?” I see a single tear roll down his cheek and it breaks my heart.

Before I speak to him I look to see some ponies trot pass us with what appears to be looks of concern, yet there are a couple who huff at the little darling. I shake my head at them as I turn back to Connor, stroking along his back. “Now listen to me sweetheart, you aren’t going to embarrass me, I promise.” I give him a reassuring smile.

He sniffles and I decide to levitate a tissue that I brought with me, wiping away his tears. He looks up at me with the softest of smiles “Okay Ms. Rarity.” I pat his back as we turn to trot inside of the castle.

Upon arriving inside, there are ponies who are conversing with one another, while others are greeting Princess Celestia by shaking hooves with her majesty. I’ll just wait until it’s just me and the girls to let Princess Celestia meet Connor. I look down beside me at him “Well sweetheart, what do you think of Cantlerlot Castle?”

He looks up at me with a light smile “It’s very nice Ms. Rarity.” He gently lightly grasps my foreleg as he looks around the main hall. I can see a look of wonder a spread across his face as he notices the finely painted stained glass windows of the palace.

“Well good evening Madame Rarity.” I can hear the distinct and dignified voice of Fancy Pants from behind. I turn around to see him standing proud as he always does, dressed as the refined stallion he truly is, and I give him a nod of my head.

“Good evening to you as well Sir Fancy Pants.” I look over to see him accompanied by Fleur Dis Lee, a sophisticated mare whose well-known around Canterlot. I let out a soft sigh “And good evening to you Lady Fleur Dis Lee. How are you two doing on this fine evening?” I suddenly feel the little arms of Connor wrap around my foreleg and I look down to see him with a nervous look on his face.

“We are doing quite well Madame Rarity.” Fancy Pants gives me a warm smile, and then looks down at the small child. “Well…well…well, and who might this strapping young lad be?” He gives Connor the same warm smile.

I clear my throat. “Oh, please pardon my rudeness Sir Fancy Pants.” I let out a light giggle and blush, gently placing my foreleg around Connor’s shoulders, and carefully bring him in front of me. “Sir Fancy Pants and Lady Fleur Dis Lee, I would like to introduce you both to Connor.” I look down at him, rubbing at his shoulders comfortably. “Connor darling, I would like to introduce you to Sir Fancy Pants, and his companion Lady Fleur Dis Lee.”

Connor smiles up at both of them, bowing his head, and showing the same respect and politeness he had shown to me and my friends. “Hello Mr. Fancy Pants Sir and Ms. Fleur Dis Lee Ma’am. It is good to meet you.” My heart melts at his show of class for him to be hurt as bad as he has, he is still able to let his heart show through his kindness.

Fancy Pants gives the little darling a smile, bowing his head to him. “Well it is a pleasure to meet you as well Connor. You sure are a very respectful little colt, isn’t he Fleur?” He turns to Fleur who gives Connor a warm smile.

She bows her head to him, giving him a bright smile. “Yes you are and a very cute little colt if I may add.” She blushes and reaches out a hoof, tenderly grabbing at his little hand. She used her other hoof to gently pat the top of his hand. “It is certainly a pleasure of mine as well to meet you Connor. We hope you enjoy your time here at the gala.”

I look down at him, blushing as he looks up at her. “Thank you Ms. Fleur Dis Le and Mr. Fancy Pants.” He bowed his head one last time at the two and stood up against my forelegs.

“You are very welcome my good lad.” Fancy Pants nods to him and looks at me. “You two enjoy yourselves tonight Madame Rarity. Fleur and I are going to take a stroll through the palace gardens.”

I give them both a nod. “Thank you Sir Fancy Pants and Lady Fleur Dis Lee, may you two have an enjoyable evening as well.” They give me and Connor a nod, and then trot off.

“They were very nice Ms. Rarity.” I look down, giving him a warm smile, and rub at his shoulders gently.

“Yes they were darling.” I let out a soft sigh. “Now, what do you say we go enjoy ourselves Connor?”

He gives me a light smile, nodding. “Yes Ma’am.”

As we trek through the main hall, we arrive at the ballroom where there are even more ponies enjoying themselves, while music is being played. I look down to see Connor looking over at the ponies playing. One was the classical cellist Octavia Melody, who was playing her cello beautifully. There are three other ponies playing different instruments; one is playing a piano, one is playing a tuba, and the other one is playing a harp.

“That is very pretty music they are playing Ms. Rarity.” Connor looks up at me with a soft smile and I stroke at his mane gently with a hoof.

“Yes it is sweetheart.” I continue to gently stroke his mane and along his back. “I know what Connor. How about you take a seat at one of these tables and I’ll go get us some refreshments?”

He looks up at me with a soft smile, nodding lightly. “Yes Ma’am.” I pat his back and trot with him to a vacant table, helping him into the chair with my magic.

“I’ll be right back, okay darling?” I give him a warm smile as I gently hold his little hand in my hoof.

He gives me a light nod. “Okay Ms. Rarity.” He smiles softly as I carefully turn to trot over to the refreshments table.

Oh, this is going to be a hard decision. I sure do hope Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will tell me if it’s the right one though.

Oh no, you aren’t thinking about doing what I think you’re going to do, are you?

Oh, you again! Listen, I’ve had just about enough out of you! Connor needs a home, some pony to care for him, love him, and let him that everything will be alright. If Princess Celestia and Princess Luna feel that this is the right decision, along with my friends, then I will be that some pony for him!

Approaching the refreshments table, I start to pour some punch into two glasses. “Good evening Lady Rarity.” I swallow deeply, yet my brows furrow with annoyance. Oh no, please tell me that it isn’t… my thoughts are cut off once I turn around to see Prince Blueblood.

I place mine and Connor’s glasses of punch on the table. “Good evening Blueblood, why may I ask are you here talking to me? I thought I told you last time that you were a royal pain, and I didn’t want to ever see your arrogant, pompous self again.” I let out a heavy sigh.

“I know I was a bit overdramatic last time here, but I personally wanted to apologize for my behavior. I want to apologize for how I acted toward your friends, but especially to you Lady Rarity. Also, I would like to request for your time to tour the royal gardens.” He bows his head to me.

I give a light smile. “That is truly sincere of you Blueblood and I accept your apology. However my good fellow, I already have a prior engagement for tonight, so I will have to politely decline your offer. So I would like to bid you a good evening Prince Blueblood.” I levitate the glasses, trotting to the table.

I see Connor giving me a soft smile as I approach the table. “Here go you sweetheart, this is some of the best punch in all of Equestria.” I levitate his glass over to him.

“Thank you Ms. Rarity.” He gives me a nod, taking a sip of his punch. “Mm… that is good Ms. Rarity. I’ve never had punch before. Sir only gave me wate to drink.” He lowers his head looking at his lap, causing me to frown.

I reach a hoof out to him, gently rubbing at one of his hands, and give him a soft smile. “Well, you don’t have to worry about only drinking water. We have all sorts of nutritious, healthy, and delicious beverages here in Equestria.” He smiles softly at me as I sip at my punch.

I hear hoof steps approaching and turn to see Prince Blueblood trotting toward us. “Listen Lady Rarity I…” A look of shock immediately came upon his face as he sees Connor. He trots to the side of the table. He points a hoof at the child “Is this the prior engagement you have, this thing?!” I look over at the poor little boy suddenly start to shake at Blueblood’s tone and rudeness.

A scowl of anger creeps across my face. I close eyes though, inhaling a deep breath, and then exhale deeply. “Connor, let’s go outside and I will show you around the royal gardens, okay darling?”

He gives me a light nod “Yes Ma’am.” I smile softly at him as he climbs off his chair carefully with his glass.

I turn to Blueblood with a frustrated look. “Now if you would excuse us, I’m taking my…gah!” I am suddenly splashed with something wet. I turn to see Connor holding his glass, but trembling as I can tell it’s his punch that spilt on me. I see a look of fear in his eyes as I reach a hoof out to him.

He backs away with tears rolling down his cheeks. “I…I’m sorry Ms. Rarity…it was an accident. I…I…” He whimpers, turning around, and runs to leave.

“Connor…wait!” I call out to him, but he keeps running until he exits the ballroom. I frown as I can hear that arrogant, no good excuse for a prince start laughing. “You made him spill his punch on me, didn’t you?!” I stomp my hoof on the floor staring daggers at him.

He stops laughing. “You got to admit Lady Rarity it was pretty…” I cut him off with a hard smack across the face with a hoof.

“I was wrong last time Prince Blueblood.” I let out a heavy sigh. “You aren’t only a royal pain, but you are royal scum for embarrassing that precious little boy! Don’t you dare try to speak to me every again, you pompous, pathetic excuse for a prince!” I flick my mane with a huff and turn to gallop outside to see I can find Connor.

I arrive outside in the royal gardens. “Connor, are you out here precious?” I call out only to hear silence. I continue to trot through the gardens until I can hear a weeping sound. Oh no, the poor dear. I got to find him and comfort him. I keep trotting, coming upon a tree, and I see him sitting up against the base. His little legs are folded up to his chest, his buried in his lap, and he is shuddering with sobs.

A deep swallow makes its way down my throat as I very carefully take a step. He snaps his head up, looking up at me with true fear in his eyes, and trembles harder. “Ms. Rarity, I…I’m so sorry. I…I didn’t mean to spill my drink on you. Mr. Blueblood tripped me with his hoof. Please Ms. Rarity, don’t hurt me.” He cries hard as I see his little lips quivering.

“Oh sweetheart,” I speak just above a whisper feeling tears sting the corners of my eyes as I very carefully use my magic to bring him towards me. I wrap my forelegs around him warmly, cradling him to the warmth of my chest. I lower my head down to his mane, making light shushing sounds. “Shh… no darling, I would never hurt you….Shh.”

I rub along his side soothingly and just cradle him close. He looks up at me with tear-stained eyes. “What about your pretty dress Ms. Rarity? I…I ruined it.” I continue to rub at his side soothingly, leaning my head down, and giving him a tender kiss on the forehead.

I give him a reassuring smile. “This old thing, I can get this washed easily darling.” I let out a soft giggle as I start to rock him in my forelegs. I start to hum my favorite lullaby, Hush Now, Quiet Now softly to comfort him. I look up at Princess Luna’s moon with one lone single tear rolling down my cheek.

After a couple more minutes of rocking the little on in my forelegs, I look down to see him peacefully sleeping, and it brings a warm smile to my face. I carefully levitate him onto my back so not to disturb him, and I turn to trot back inside the castle.

“Good evening to you my friend and Element of Generosity, Rarity.” I hear a soft voice speak from behind me. I turn around to see the princess of the night herself, Princess Luna giving me a warm smile. She quietly trotted up to me, bowing her head, and then looking at the sleeping child. “And this must be the special little one spoken of in my sister’s letter, is he not?”

I smile warmly at Connor, and then back at Luna, giving her a nod. “Yes your highness, this is Connor.” I look to see his chest slowly rise and fall with each breath he takes. I look at Luna “Princess Luna, would it be okay if I take Connor to one of the palace bedrooms and tuck him in?”

She gives me a nod, smiling warmly. “Oh of course my friend, and after you get done meet my sister and I, along with your friends in the palace ballroom.” I give her a nod, bowing my head, and turn to trot back into the castle.

I trot through the corridors until I find a good, quiet bedroom to put Connor. I trot inside, heading over to the bed. I use my magic to pull back the covers, carefully levitating the child off my back, and gently place him on the bed. My heart melts as he curls up on the bed with his head on the pillow.

I levitate the covers over his small form, tucking them in snugged against his sides, and I lean to give him a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Sweet dreams Connor, you precious, precious little boy.” I reach a hoof up to stroke at his side through the covers before I quietly turn to trot out of the bedroom. I leave the door slightly ajar so I can hear if something happens with him.

This is going to be difficult, I understand, but I feel this is the right decision.

I trot through the corridors until I come upon the ballroom. The gala ended sooner than I would have thought. As I enter I see the princesses conversing with the girls, but I also see another guest, causing my jaw to drop.

Discord?!

Author's Note

Discord has arrived! :pinkiegasp: However, what does this mean? Is it good or bad? :twilightoops:

Chapter Twelve

A shocked look mixed with surprise creeps across my face as I eye the Master of Chaos, or so that is what he likes to call himself. All the guests have left the gala, leaving only me, my fellow Elements of Harmony, the princesses, and now Discord. As I trot toward the group with the draconequus standing in the center, he bows his slithery form to me.

“Well good evening Rarity, and how are you doing on this fine night?” He asks in his usual sly, smooth tone, and giving me a grin.

I give him a nod of my head. “I’m doing quite well Discord darling. How are you, yourself doing this fine evening, and why are you here at the gala of all places?” I look up at him curiously as I trot over to sit with my friends.

“Well my little ponies, Discord is here to inform us about the young human you have come to care for Rarity.” Princess Celestia gives me a warm smile, in which I return. “He gave us this information after we received your letter, and we thought it was of high importance for you all to hear from him as well.”

Discord gives a nod to the princesses, turning his attention to me. “Before I begin, I hear that you’ve come to have a liking for this little one. Am I right my fair Rarity?”

“Yes indeed, Connor has been such a precious little boy, and he has touched my heart deeply.” I give a warm smile, my heart melting inside at the thought of the sweet little darling. I let out a heavy sigh as I look at Discord. “Now if a lady may ask Discord, what kind of information do you have on Connor?”

He sits down on the floor giving all that signature sly smile of his as he lets out a soft sigh. “I’m very glad you asked me that Rarity. I bet you’re wondering how the little human boy arrived here in Equestria in the first place?”

We all give him a firm nod as I swallow deeply. “Wait… are you trying to imply that you’re the one that brought Connor here?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow.

He lets out a chuckle. “You would be right my dear.” His grin grows wider, giving my guess a little round of applause with his talon and lion paw.

Twilight spoke up with a look mixed with shock and confusion on her face. “Discord, why would you do such a thing? How did you even get to this world called Earth?” We all nodded in agreement looking at the draconequus curiously.

He closes his eyes as he takes in a deep breath, exhaling deeply, and opening his eyes back to look at. “Well Twilight Sparkle, after your fellow Element of Harmony, Fluttershy reformed me, I decided to take a little vacation for myself and explore outside of Equestria. “

“Wait Discord…you didn’t cause any chaos now, did you?” Fluttershy asks with a stern look in her eyes.

He crosses his arms giving her a pouty face. “Now my dear, dear Fluttershy, do you think I would do anything bad with the friendship that you all have given me? Of course I didn’t cause any chaos, but I have to admit, it nearly killed me without doing so.” He lets out a heavy sigh shaking his head slowly.

She gives him a big smile, hovering up in the air, and patting him on the head. “That’s a good draconequus.” She lets out an excited squee, earning a light-hearted giggle from each of us.

He gave Fluttershy puppy dog eyes at the patting of his head. “Please continue Discord.” Princess Celestia speaks giving him a stern look.

He shakes his head. “Oh yes, sorry.” He clears his throat as he continues. “Well, for my vacation, I decided to visit the planet known as Earth. As Master of Chaos, I can traverse through different worlds.” This grabs our attention as we look at him with intent curiosity. He puts his lion paw and talon up in front of him “And before you ask, yes I did transform into a human so I wouldn’t attract any unwanted attention.”

I let out a sigh. “That sounds good and all darling, but how exactly did you come across Connor?” I ask, letting out a sigh of annoyance due to his rambling.

“Tsk…tsk… such impatience you have Rarity, even for a lady.” I let out a sarcastic chuckle at the comment, rolling my eyes. He lets out a heavy sigh of his own. “I can remember like it was just yesterday…”

“I was just making my way down a busy street in this place called New York City, until I came upon a building where a little boy came running out of, crying his heart out. I was going to go follow him until a grown human came stomping outside, stopping at the bottom of the steps. What heard next just tore even my chaotic heart in half.”

“And don’t you ever dare come back you little nuisance! No one will ever love you! You are nothing but a worthless breath of fresh air!”

“I watched him stomp back into the building slamming the door.” I gasp in horror at what Discord repeated what this ‘Sir’ said to the small child, and I could see a single tear fall from even the eyes of the Master of Chaos. “I wanted to cause a little bit of chaos to that poor excuse for a stallion, but I knew I had to go and find the child….”

“When I was searching for him, I could hear crying, and I followed the direction of it, until I found him in one of the alleyways.” As he tells his tale, I can feel tears threatening to escape.

How can such a wretched creature treat one of its own with such cruelty? I’m glad I discovered him that night. A tearful smile creeps across my lips at the thought.

“Ah can’t believe that low down no good dirty dog would say such hurtful words to the sweet little feller.” Applejack speaks up shaking her head in frustration, her lips forming into a snarl.

Celesita and Luna sadly nod in agreement as Celestia speaks. “Please Discord, continue your story.”

He nods, taking in a deep breath, and then exhaling deeply. “When I saw him, I got to admit it made me feel uncomfortable, because he was sitting down against a brick wall, huddled up against a dumpster, and his face buried in his lap…” I watch as he lifts one of his fingers of his talon, and wipes away a stray tear.

“And as shocking as it is to hear from me, the chaotic one, I just didn’t have the heart to walk up to him, because I felt I would scare him worse than he already was. So with deep concentration, I snapped my fingers making us vanish, and then reappeared here in Equestria.” He lets out a heavy sigh.

I stand up looking at him sternly. “Then why did you leave him in a dirty, lonely alleyway all alone for Discord? Why was I the one to find him?” I stomp a hoof wanting answers.

“Calm down my dear Rarity. I placed him in the alleyway of Ponyville, because I didn’t want to just put in the center where every pony could see him, and chaos run wild, although I’d love that. I didn’t’ want the ponies to feel threatened by a mere child, and I didn’t want him to be afraid of being hurt again. As for you finding him, that was just out of pure luck for Connor.” He folds his arms with a smirk on his face.

I smile warmly at that as Celestia speaks up. “Well, the question now I think on all of our minds is what do we do with the child?” I look around the group who has thoughtful looks on their faces as I raise a hoof. She nods to me. “Yes Rarity, do you have any ideas?”

I swallow nervously, bowing my head to the princesses. “Yes your highness. Ever since I found Connor alone, broken, and in horrible conditions in that alley, he has touched my heart like no other pony, except for my dear sister Sweetie Belle.” I take in a deep breath, exhaling deeply. “I’ve been thinking Princess Celestia, and I believe this is the right decision, but I would like to adopt Connor.” I see a couple smiling faces on Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, but Twilight and Applejack give me looks of concern.

“Ah am proud of ya Rarity for taking on such a task in adopting the little feller, but are ya sure can handle it? Ah mean ya never taken care of a colt, let alone a human child.” She gave me a worried look.

I sigh heavily giving her a nod, smiling warmly. “Yes Applejack, I’m very aware that I haven’t ever raised a colt before, but I’ve watched over my sister countless times, so I’ve had practice.” I feel my pride flow freely inside me.

Twilight speaks up next. “What if you meet a stallion one day Rarity, how do you think he will feel about you having a human child as a son?”

“W---well, whoever comes into my life, if I am to meet a stallion to wed, he’ll just have to accept the fact that Connor is my son.” I smile proudly nodding my head firmly. Reluctantly Twilight and Applejack both give me a nod in understanding.

“Well my dear Rarity, I think that your choice is a wonderful one.” Luna gives me a warm smile, nodding her head to me. “That is why you are the Element of Generosity my friend, for you are generous to those in need, and this little boy is in need of a loving home. I’m very proud of you my friend.”

Princess Celestia nods in agreement. “I agree with my sister, so therefore we would like to bid you all a good night’s rest tonight, and we will go get the proper paperwork ready for you to sign Rarity.” I smile brightly at the two princesses, and we all bow our heads.

“Thank you very much Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I promise I will not bring shame to my element, and I will care for Connor with all my heart.” They nod to me as they trot out of the dining hall.

I let out a soft yawn turning to the girls. “Well girls, I would say it’s time for us to get some shuteye. I have a big day tomorrow in finalizing the adoption of the little darling.” They nod as Pinkie suddenly blasts off into the air causing a small explosion of fireworks.

“Yippee! That means I can throw the little cupcake a ‘Welcome to Equestria Connor and Congratulations on becoming Rarity’s son’ party!” She bounces all over the dining hall, earning a giggle from each of us.

I shake my head softly. “Yes Pinkie, you can throw a party for tomorrow’s occasion.” I smile warmly as I let out another yawn, blinking my eyes tiredly. “Well, goodnight girls, sleep tight, and I’ll see you all in the morning.” I wave a hoof at them as they return the wave.

“Goodnight Rarity.” They say unison as I exit the dining hall and make my way toward the bedroom Connor is sleeping.

I carefully enter as I see him sleeping peacefully curled up under the covers. I quietly shut the door and trot over to the bed. I smile warmly at the little boy as I think of something I haven’t done since Sweetie Belle was just a newborn foal, and mother and father left her with me to babysit.

I gently levitate the covers up over Connor so not to wake him and I carefully levitate him above the bed just for a moment. I climb up into the bed, lying on my back, and I lower him down toward me, reaching for him with my forelegs. I gently grasp him and cradle him to my chest with his head lying on my shoulder. I finally levitate the covers back over us as I snuggle under them warmly still holding him close to me.

I see a small smile on his face as he sighs peacefully in his sleep, his small chest rising and falling with each breath he takes. I allow a stray tear to roll down my cheek and I lean in to kiss him tenderly on the forehead.

Goodnight Connor darling, my darling baby boy. I promise I will be the best mommy I can for you, showing you all the love, care, and tenderness that you truly deserve. Sweet dreams.

I close my eyes softly, drifting off to sleep with a warm smile across my face.

Chapter Thirteen

Letting out a soft yawn, I blink my eyes open, and look down at the sleeping little boy cradled in my forelegs. A warm, joyous smile forms across my face at the sight as I lean my head in to give him a tender kiss on the forehead. “Connor darling, it’s time to wake up.” I speak just above a whisper into his ear.

I watch him as he lets out a little yawn of his own, blinking his little eyes open, and giving me a little smile. “Good morning Ms. Rarity.” He reaches up with his little hands to rub at his eyes.

Giving him a blushing smile, I lean into nuzzle at his cheek, and pat the side of his lap as I cradle him to the warmth of my chest. “Good morning precious. Did you sleep well last night?”

He gives me a light nod. “Yes Ma’am.” I hear him let out a sigh of comfort. “Mm… Ms. Rarity, your fur is very soft and warm.” He snuggles against my chest as he lays his head on my shoulder.

I let out a soft giggle. “Well, thank you very much darling.” I give him another gentle kiss on his forehead, stroking at his mane. “Are you hungry Connor? If you would like, we can go see what the others are having for breakfast, okay precious?” I nuzzle him lightly at his little nose.

He gives me a soft smile, letting out a little giggle, and giving off a light blush. “Yes Ma’am, I am hungry.” I hear his little tummy rumbling and use my free hoof to gently rub at him, earning a soft giggle from him.

I let out a giggle of my own giving him a warm smile. “Alright darling, let’s go get you something good to eat.” I gently set him down on the bed so I can climb out of it. I stretch out my legs, letting out a loud yawn. I look over at him and carefully levitate him onto my back as I turn to trot out of the bedroom.

As we enter into the dining hall, we see the others gathered around in a circle lying on red satin pillows, and with both princesses in the center. They turn to us nodding their heads to greet us and I see two available pillows between Applejack and Fluttershy. I trot over, lay down on one pillow as Connor is very careful climbing off my back and sits down on the other one.

“Good morning girls, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia.” I smile warmly at my friends and bow my head to the royal sisters.

“Good morning my dear Rarity.” Princess Celestia greets me with a warm smile. She turns her gaze toward Connor. “And you must be the little one that my little ponies have been speaking of, and the little boy who our generous Rarity has come to care for.” She gives him a warm smile as well and I gently reach over with a hoof to rub along his back soothingly.

He looks up at me with a smile, and then back at the princesses. He bows his head respectfully. He looks back up at Princess Celestia. “Yes Ma’am, Ms. Rarity is a very nice lady pony, and she has been very nice to me. Her friends are very nice to me too.” He gives the others a warm smile as I stroke at his mane with a hoof.

Celestia looks at all of us with a nod of agreement, and then back at Connor. “Allow us to introduce ourselves sweetheart. My name is Princess Celestia and I’m the Princess of the Sun, meaning that I control the day.” She bows her head to the little boy.

Luna bows her head next, giving him a warm smile. “And I’m the Princess of the Night, Princess Luna, and I control the night. We’re very honored to meet thou little one.”

He bows his head again to both of the royal sisters. “It’s nice to meet you too Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. My name is Connor.” He gives them a soft smile.

“Well, Connor, my sister and I would like to officially welcome to our home of Equestria.” Luna nods in agreement. I look to see a frown creep across Celestia’s face as she speaks again. “Little one, we’ve also been informed by Rarity and her friends that you have no family, and that this foul beast known simply as ‘Sir’ has hurt you beyond comprehension, am I right Connor?” She gives him a deeply worried look.

I look over at him with a frown as he lowers his head, nodding it slowly, and he starts to shake a little. I reach over my foreleg and lay it over his shoulders, pulling him close to my side. I look down at him “Connor darling, it’s okay. We all care about you, and we are here to help you feel better.” I give him a tender kiss on top of his head.

He lets out a light sniffle as he looks up at me with a stray tear rolling down his cheek. He gives me a tearful smile in which I return and he turns his attention back to the princesses. “Yes Ma’am. Sir always used hit me with his big leather belt if I done something wrong, and always told me that I would never be loved or cared for, because I was such a weak, pathetic runt.”

I feel him start to shake under the touch of my foreleg, and I can’t help but pull him close to me, rubbing along the side of his arm soothingly. I lay my head carefully on top of his. “Shh… it’s okay darling, I’m here…Shh.” I continue to rub his side as I hold him close.

“We are truly sorry dear Connor that you’ve had to be subjected to such heinous acts like that.” Luna speaks as I see her shed a lonely tear and a frown etched on her face. “However little one, don’t you ever feel that you are weak or pathetic. You are worthy of love sweetheart and for that foul excuse for a stallion to say stuff like that to you shows that he is the true weak one.”

I look down to see him turn his head a bit to look Princess Luna, laying his cheek against my chest. Celestia nods in agreement. “Indeed dear.” She looks at Luna giving her a nod and Luna carefully stands up, trotting out of the dining hall. Celestia turns back to the small child. “Connor, it’s completely up to you, but how would you like to live here in Equestria where you will certainly be loved and cared for?”

He sniffles as I watch him lift up a warm to wipe at the remainder of his tears. “R---really Princess Celestia, you mean I could have a family?” I smile warmly as I look at Celestia giving him a light nod.

“Exactly little one, you could not only have a family who will love you with all their hearts, but you will have what you deserve, a mother.” She smiled warmly at the little boy.

Princess Luna returns levitating a rolled up scroll with her. Connor asks in his very polite, soft tone. “A mommy Princess Celestia, I could have a real mommy?” I keep silent as I look down at him with a bright, blushing smile.

Princess Luna lays back down on her pillow beside Princess Celestia as she levitates the scroll over to Connor and I. She speaks up. “Thou young Connor, my sister, myself, and the Elements of Harmony would be more than honored to call you our own. And… well I’ll just let our generous Rarity take it from here.” She levitates a quill over to me and I take the scroll, and quill in my magic.

I look down at Connor as he looks up at me with his eyes wide, staining with tears of joy I can sense. “Connor darling, ever since I discovered you in that alleyway and took you into my home, you’ve touched my heart like no other.” I feel tears start to sting my eyes, but I gently close them, take in a deep breath, and exhale deeply before opening them. “You are such a sweet, well-mannered, and handsome little boy Connor, and if it’s okay with you darling, I would love to be your mommy.”

I look down at him with a big tearful smile on his face and I don’t think I need to know his answer is yes, because he wraps his little arms tightly around my neck, burying his face into the warmth of my chest. I wrap both of my forelegs around him as I look up at the scroll which is the official adoption form and I sign my name on the line. I roll it back up, levitating it over to Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.

I look down to see Connor smiling brightly, tears flowing freely down his face, but I can tell that they are tears of joy. “Ms. Rarity, do you mean it? Do you mean that I can call you Mommy?” He sniffles as I reach up with a hoof to stroke at his mane.

“Of you can precious. Connor, I love you, and you are my precious little baby boy now. I promise to always give you the love, care, and comfort that you truly deserve. I promise to be the mother that you need Connor.” I lean my head down to kiss him on the forehead. I allow my own tears to roll down my cheeks, as I see the others tearing up as well, including Rainbow Dash.

“Oh Mommy, I love you!” He buries his face into the warmth of my chest again as I just hold him close in my forelegs.

“Mommy loves you too darling, Mommy loves you too!” I kiss the top of his head and lay my cheek on top of his head, sighing warmly.

“Yippee! This means I get to throw the little guy an official ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party!” I raise my head up just for a bit to watch Pinkie cartwheel around us, until she stops near me and Connor. He turns his head a bit to let out a little giggle at Pinkie’s giddiness as she pat his head gently with a hoof. “For now though sweet pea, I’m going to let you enjoy today with your new mommy.” She gives us a beaming smile, cartwheeling back over to her pillow.

Yes Pinkie, tomorrow we can have Connor’s official party welcoming him to Ponvyville, but for today it’s just me and my precious baby boy.

We continue to hug each other warmly for a long time, until breakfast arrives.

I promise to make this day special for my little darling baby boy.

Author's Note

Next chapter, a day with Connor and his new Mommy! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter Fourteen

After Connor and I finished our breakfast, we bid farewell to the others, and I made our way to one of the palace washrooms so I could give my little boy a bath. I turn my head to look at him with his little arms wrapped around my neck as he lets out a comforted sigh. My heart melts at the sight as I lean in to give him a tender kiss on his cheek.

He gives a little blush at the kiss and lets out a soft giggle. “Mommy, what are we going to do today?” He asks me with his usual soft and polite tone.

We arrive at the washroom and I use my magic to open the doors. I turn my head toward him as I trot inside. “That is a surprise darling, but I promise today is going to be special for my precious boy.” I give him a blushing smile and shut the doors behind us.

I trot over the tub and start his bathwater as I carefully levitate him off my back onto the floor. I look down at him with a warm smile. “Sweetheart would you like to take your bath alone or would you like for me to help give you a bath?” I reach up to tenderly stroke at his mane.

He looks up at me with a soft smile of his own and I hear a swallow escape down his throat. “Mommy, is it okay if I maybe take my bath by myself?” He wraps his little arms around my foreleg in a warm hug as I wrap my free foreleg around his small form.

I feel tears of joy sting my eyes at the gesture as I lean my head down to give him a kiss on top of his head. “Of course darling, that is perfectly fine.” A thought suddenly occurs to me. “I’ll tell you what Connor. While you’re taking your bath, I’ll make you a new set of clothes you can wear for today. How does that sound precious?” I stroke along his back as he looks up at me.

“Yes Mommy.” We gently break the hug and I turn of the water, but dip a hoof in it to make sure it was just right for him to take a bath in. I give a soft smile and nod as it is warm enough, and I use my magic to open the cabinets, levitating a towel, washcloth, a bottle of shampoo, and a bar of soap out.

I place the towel on the sink near the tub and the rest of the supplies on the tub. I look down at Connor “I’ll just be down the hall if you need me darling, okay?” He gives me a nod as I lean my head down and give him a kiss on the forehead before I trot out of the washroom and carefully shut the door behind me.

As I enter into the guest room we were staying in I immediately begin on creating my son’s new outfit. This time I decided to make an outfit of all royal blue. I decide to comprise it of a pair of soft wool pants, a white short-sleeved top, and a matching soft wool jacket.

Tsk…tsk…tsk… Rarity, what have you done? You’ve thrown away a great opportunity of becoming a widely known fashionista and expanding your business for being the mother of that little child. What are you thinking?!

Oh no, not you again. Why don’t you just leave me alone?! I’ve made my choice and the precious little boy deserves a caring family and a loving mother. I’m proud of my decision and by the understanding of my friends and the princesses, they believe I’ve made the right choice as well.

I try to shake away the nagging voice so I can continue working on Connor’s outfit. It takes me only mere minutes to complete his pants and top. Now I have to do is create the jacket and I’ll be all done. A proud smile creeps across my face as I concentrate deeply on adding the final touches.

Just imagine it though girl. Having all the fame, fortune, and upscale lifestyle you ever dreamed of, but that will never become a reality, you’ve chosen the life of a lowly, poor single mother.

Oh, would you please be quiet! I chose to be Connor’s mother, because he has gone through enough pain for a five year old. He has been abandoned by the ones who are supposed to be his real parents, abused by the hands of a foul creature who he simply calls ‘Sir’, and you want to try and convince me that my choice is wrong?! I thought you were supposed to be my conscience. You know, the voice that is supposed to support me with the choices I make.

I’m more than just your conscience dear, I’m the other half of you that yearns for those luxuries in a pony’s life; the fame, fortune, and the opportunity to live in the finest mansion in all of Equestria. Yet as I think about it, maybe having a little human child could really be beneficial in reality. Maybe not in the way I feel is right for you, but having him would make your life a whole lot easier.

I gasp at the egotistical, heartless thoughts that this other half of me is spewing at me. I’m able to finish my little darling’s outfit, but a look of frustration etches on my face.

What do you mean by that? Along with my friends, my family, having Connor as my fan will only make my life more joyous.

That might be true, but imagine not having to do anything around your home. Instead you could have your little darling of a son do all the work for you; you know, not only have him as your son, but your own personal servant.

I can feel my anger growing little by little. My brows furrow in anger, my lips purse into a scowl, and I stomp my hoof against the floor.

What?! How dare you refer to that precious little boy, my precious little baby boy as a servant? I could never do that to such a sweet and innocent little child as Connor.

Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but haven’t you always fantasized about some pony to serve you, answer to your every beck and call? Remember how you always dreamed of having a servant to give you a hooficure, organize your wardrobe, and better yet, perform all the chores around the house while you work hard on your designs.

Unable to resist the idea of having my hooves tended to, I let out a sigh, allowing a dreamy smile to replace my scowl.

Well…I…the thought of my hooves receiving a nice massage from such a sweet little boy, and for free does sound tempting.

That’s it Rarity, just imagine those little fingers relieving you of the stress of a day of dressmaking. Humans are the dominant species of Connor’s home called Earth, but you could put the little one in his place, and his place could be to serve at your hooves.

I hear a light-hearted giggle coming from my other half and it completely disgusts me. I would never, ever do that to Connor. A precious little boy such as he doesn’t deserve any kind of treatment like that; not a treatment like that he sustained from that ‘Sir’. I shake my head of these heartless thoughts.

No! Absolutely not! I cannot and will not do that to my son you vile voice! He is a wonderful child and I would never turn him into my personal servant, because he is my son and I’m proud to be his mother! So if you don’t like that, you can silence your tongue and never attempt to mess with my heart and mind again!

Tsk…tsk…tsk, such a naïve mare you have changed into of a sudden Rarity. Fine, I’ll leave you alone…for now, but everything would be a whole lot better if you would just make him into a true good little and obedient boy.

I stomp my hoof against the floor harder this time, causing me to retract it in pain. I shake it to get rid of the pain and clench my eyes shut feeling tears threaten to escape.

Enough! Just leave me and my son alone! Don’t you dare ever speak to me again! You don’t know what you are talking about. You’re just talking nonsense that only satisfies your fantasies.

I wait for a response, but after several seconds, there is none, and I let out a heavy sigh of relief. I close my eyes, take in a deep breath, and exhale deeply as I open them again. I levitate Connor’s new set of clothes and trot out of the guest room, down the hall.

As I approach the washroom, I carefully open the door, and trot inside to see my baby boy already out of the bathtub, wrapped in his towel. I trot up to him and look down at him with a warm smile. “Did you have a nice bath darling?” I reach up and stroke at his freshly washed mane.

He looks up at me with a bright smile, nodding his head. “Yes I did Mommy. The bath water was warm and comfy.” He lets out a giggle, earning a little giggle of my own.

I lean down to kiss him tenderly on the forehead. “That is good my precious.” I smile warmly down at him as I levitate his new set of clothes over to him. “I hope you like this outfit Conner.” He holds out his arms to receive them as I lay them in his arms and levitate his suit. “I’m just going to take this suit with me to put in my saddlebags sweetheart, and I’ll be right back so we can leave the castle and enjoy the day in Canterlot, okay?”

He nods his head. “Yes Mommy.” I pat at his back as I turn to trot out of the washroom and carefully close the door behind me.

I trot back down toward my room so I can place Connor’s suit in my saddlebags so I can wash them when we return to Ponyville. As I’m putting the suit up, a single, yet haunting thought forms in my mind.

I couldn’t really be that heartless to make Connor my own personal little servant. Not after all he has been through, could I?

Author's Note

:pinkiegasp: The voice is back, but this time it's more ruthless than ever. :twilightoops:

Chapter Fifteen

As I wait for Connor to get changed into his clothes for the day, I can feel tears sting my eyes at the cruel thoughts that distasteful voice put my head. Yes I admit, I’ve always fantasized about the idea of having a servant pamper me, answer to my every beck and call, and treat me like a princess. However, to ask that of a sweet, young little boy such as my son would just be barbaric of me.

I close my eyes to subdue my tears and let out a heavy sigh. Suddenly I feel something touching my foreleg and I open my eyes up to look down and see a concerned look on Connor’s face. “Mommy, are you okay?” The worry in his voice stings my heart.

Reaching up with a hoof, I gently stroke at his mane “Yes sweetheart, Mommy’s okay. I’ve just got something in my eye.” I let out a small sniffle as I give him a warm, reassuring smile. “You are a true gentleman in your new outfit today Connor.” I use my hoof to gently rub at his cheek.

He smiles up happily at me “Thank you Mommy.” He hugs my foreleg and I wrap my other one around his small form. I rub along his back comfortably and give him a kiss on top of his head.

“Are you ready to go outside sweetheart and take a tour of Canterlot?” I give him a warm smile as he looks up at me and gives me a nod.

“Yes Mommy. I would like that.” He gives a light blush on his cheeks and I give one in return as I reach up and stroke at his mane.

I bend on my forelegs “Climb on up darling.” I let out a giggle as he carefully climbs up onto my back and wraps his arms around my neck. I give his little hands a kiss and look back at him “Let’s just go say bye the girls right quick, then we’ll go outside, okay precious?” I nuzzle at his cheek, earning a blush.

He lets out a giggle, giving me a nod “Okay Mommy.” He sighs happily as he lays his head down on my shoulder and I lay my mane over his back to keep him warm as I trot to the dining hall.

As we arrive, I see the others conversing among one another as they turn to give us warm smile. “Well girls, we’re going outside, but we’ll be back in time to go back to Ponyville.” They give us a nod in agreement.

I wave a hoof at them as I see Connor lifting a hand to wave as well “Goodbye everyone, I’ll see you in a little bit.” He gives them a warm smile and turned to the princesses “Goodbye Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, it was nice meeting you both.”

They bow their heads and give him a warm smile as Celestia speaks “It was a pleasure of mine and my sister’s to meet you Connor. We are proud to have you a part of our family and a part of our home here in Equestria.”

Luna spoke up next “May you young Connor and your new family have a safe trip back to Ponyville.”

I bow my head to the two royal sisters, nod at my friends, and then I turn to trot out of the dining hall to leave the castle.

As we depart from the castle and into the city of Canterlot, I turn to Connor “Sweetheart, I’m truly sorry that we don’t have enough time to really enjoy the day here in Canterlot. I completely forgot about the train coming to pick us up today.” I give him a little frown.

He gives me a warm smile, hugging my neck a little tighter, causing my heart to melt. “It’s okay Mommy. I’m just happy to have a family and a mommy,” he speaks happily.

I can’t help but let out a light-hearted giggle as I nuzzle at his cheek and give him a tender kiss on the forehead. “And I’m happy to have such a precious little boy as a son,” I speak proudly, giving him a blushing smile. “I know what Connor, how would you like to go try one of the best donuts in all of Equestria? There is a stallion by the name of Donut Joe and he makes some of the most delicious sweets you’ve ever had.”

He beams happily “That sounds nice Mommy. I’ve never had a donut before though, because Sir always said good boys and girls deserved desserts, and he always told me that I was a bad little boy so I didn’t deserve any special treats.” His beaming smile suddenly turns into a frown, but I reach a hoof up to gently rub at his cheek.

“Well darling, you are a good and very sweet little gentleman. So don’t let those mean things that ruffian say get to you.” I give him a wink “Now let’s go get you a nice sweet treat my son.” I turn my head and start trotting forward to Donut Joe’s.

Trotting along the streets I see ponies giving us a warm wave and it puts a smile on my face that at least some will be welcoming toward Connor and not give him stares. Maybe the ponies of Ponyville just needs a little time at adjust to having a human in their home.

Yes, they are welcoming to him now, but what will happen when they discover that you’ve decided to adopt the little human boy? Do you think they will still be courteous and respectful you? No! They will cast you out of the high class society that you so desperately yearn to be a part of and look down at you as nothing more than a charity case.

Don’t you ever learn to just shut up and leave me alone! Like I’ve told you before, yes I have always dreamed of living the lifestyle of a rich and famous fashionista, but that slowly faded away once I met my friends. Also, I didn’t adopt Connor because of charity, but because I love him unconditionally, and he deserves a family and mother who will love him.

I try to block out the voice as we approach the donut shop and open the doors with my magic. The scent of warm fresh baked treats waft through the whole place, bring a dreamy smile to my face. I turn to look at my son as he has the same smile on his face and he lets out a sigh of softness.

Letting out a giggle, I give him a warm smile “It smells good in here, doesn’t it Connor?” I nuzzle at his cheek.

He blushes and nods his head “Mm… yes it does Mommy. I can’t wait to try a donut.” He smiles brightly as I trot up to the counter.

“Good morning and welcome to Donut Joe’s, how may I help you?” The unicorn stallion greets us. “Well hello Ms. Rarity, how are you doing on this fine day?” He gives me a warm smile.

I give him a nod “I’m doing just marvelous Joe.” I smile warmly as I turn my head to Connor “Joe, I would like for you to meet some pony… well someone special.” I turn to my side for Joe to see Connor.

“Well, hello there young one, and who might you be?” Joe asks, greeting Connor with a warm smile.

I clear my throat “Joe, this precious little boy is my son, Connor.” I smile proudly and brightly as I look at my son “Connor darling, this is Donut Joe, the proprietor and chief baker of this fine establishment.” I let out a little giggle.

Conner nods his head in respect as he gives Joe a warm smile “Hello Mr. Joe, it’s good to meet you. Mm… it smells very good in here.” He lets out a soft sigh.

“Well, thank you Connor. It is a pleasure to meet you as well, and may I say making donuts has been a passion of mine since I was just a little colt about around your age or maybe a little older.” He lets out a chuckle “Anyways though, so not to bore you with the story of my life, what would you like Connor and yourself Ms. Rarity?”

I look at him “I’d just like a cup of your fresh brewed coffee and a bagel.” I give him a nod as I turn to Connor “What would you like sweetheart?”

He looks behind Joe at the wide assortment of donuts and turns to Joe “Mr. Joe, I’ve never had a donut before.” He gives a frown, causing me to give one in return.

Joe lightly waved a hoof “That’s okay young man. I think I’ve got the perfect first donut for you to try, and I'll fix you a cup of hot chocolate to go with it.” He gives us a nod and trots around behind the counter to prepare our order.

I pull out my little bag of bits I brought with me to help pay for our little dessert.

Joe returns levitating a small box containing my bagel and Connor’s donut, and a drink carrier for our beverages “That will be six bits Ms. Rarity.”

I give him a nod and levitate six bits out of my bag, giving them to Joe. I levitate our order and give him a nod “Thank you again Joe.”

“Thank you Mr. Joe.” Connor speaks in his soft and polite tone.

Joe gives us a nod ‘You both are very welcome. I hope you have a wonderful day Connor and Ms. Rarity.” He gives us a nod as I turn to trot outside with our food.

As I trot outside of the donut shop I look for a table for us to sit at and I find one gently shaded by an umbrella. I trot over to it and look at Connor “Aha… here we go darling, a nice shaded area.” I give him a warm smile as I carefully place our food on the table and bend down on my forelegs to let him climb off.

He climbs up in a chair as I sit on my haunches. “This is a nice spot Mommy.” He gives me a warm smile as I open the box and place his donut on a napkin that Joe provided and his hot chocolate in front of him. He looks up at me “Thank you Mommy.”

I give him a nod “You’re very welcome my precious. I hope enjoy your very first donut here in Equestria Connor.” I give him a blushing smile as I take a bite out of my bagel, and then take a drink of my coffee.

He takes a bite out of his donut and makes a sigh of comfort “Mm… oh Mommy, that is good! It’s very sweet and warm.” He looks up at me with a bright smile and takes a drink of his hot chocolate “Mm… the hot chocolate is good too Mommy! I’ve never had hot chocolate before either.”

I reach a hoof over while I use my magic to levitate the bagel and gently touch his hand “Well don’t worry darling, as long as you have a loving home with me and my friends you can have the childhood that you so truly deserve.” I give him a warm smile as he gives me one in return.

After a few minutes, we finish our desserts, and seeing that the time for the Friendship Express to arrive draws near I look at my son “Well sweetheart, I guess it’s time for us to meet the others at the train station.”

He carefully climbs of his chair and walks over to me “Yes Mommy.” I bend down on my forelegs to allow him to climb up, and then I start our trek to the station.

As I trot along the streets, I turn to Connor “Darling, when we return to Ponyville, how would you like to meet my parents, your grandparents?” I nuzzle at his cheek.

He gives me a bright smile and nods his head happily “That sounds nice Mommy.” I can see tears sting his eye, but I can sense that they are tears of joy for the little darling in finally having a family. I give him a tender kiss on the forehead as I continue to trot toward the train station.

I just hope mother and father will be welcoming to Connor as all my friends and also Sweetie Belle. I let out a soft sigh.

Author's Note

Well, it's time to meet the grandparents. :pinkiehappy: Also, it seems that voice won't be going away for a while. :pinkiegasp:

Chapter Sixteen

“Connor, my darling baby boy, could you come downstairs to the living room for a minute?” I call out for the child as I lay comfortably on my red satin sofa and sip at a cup of tea. I close my eyes softly and let out a soft sigh as my lips curve into a devilish grin. I open them back as I see the little boy reach the bottom of the stairs and start to approach me.

“Yes Mommy?’ He looks up at me with a hopeful smile and I can tell that he is ready to make me a proud and satisfied mother.

I reach over to stroke from the top of his mane to the back of it “Precious, do you know what would feel wonderful to Mommy?” I round my hoof around from the back of his mane and rub at his cheek giving him a smirk.

He swallows deeply as he looks up at me with a soft smile “What is that Mommy? I love you and I just want you to be happy and proud of me.” I look down at him as he gives my hoof a little hug.

My heart flutters as I feel the touch of his little hands against the warmth of my fur and they feel so wonderful. I grin slyly as I peer down at him as I reach my hoof to rub at his cheek “That’s my good little boy.” I trace my hoof from his cheek, down his arm, and down to his hands as I hold them in it. I look into his eyes “Well darling, Mommy would like for you to use your cute little hands to give me a nice little hoof massage and also rub my shoulders.” I hold them in one hoof while rubbing the back of them with the other as I look down at him with a hopeful yet meticulous smile “Would you do that for Mommy precious?”

I see him start to shake under my stare, but he gives me a nod “Y-yes Mommy, I’ll try.” He gives me a soft smile and I let out a little lowly giggle.

I reach up and pat at his cheek “That’s Mommy’s good little boy.” I lift my head and levitate a pillow over to him, dropping it at his feet. My grin grows as I see him look up at me with a little confusion “Oh, Mommy thinks it would be best if you would kneel on this pillow to massage my hooves darling.” I rub at his cheek reassuringly.

He crosses his hands and he looks a little nervous, but I see him slowly lower himself down onto his knees onto the pillow and looks up at me. I hear another deep swallow travel down his throat as he looks up at me “I-is this okay Mommy?”

I pat the top of his head “That’s perfect my baby boy.” I smile devilishly at the sight, because it’s just the right place for an obedient little human. I reach out my hooves and place them in front of him “Now darling, just use your cute little hands to rub the bottom of my hooves as I relax, okay?” I let out a light snicker.

“Yes Mommy, I’ll do my best.” He looks up at me with a soft smile as I feel him put his hand underneath my hoof and start to rub at it with his palm. It feels wonderful as he strokes the sole of my hoof with his little hand while holding it with the other.

A pleasurable grin creeps across my face as I look down at him. I let out a comforted sigh “That’s just perfect darling. Your small hands are doing wonders for my tired hooves Connor.” I let out a lowly giggle.

He looks up at me with a little smile as he continues to massage my hoof “Thank you Mommy.” He lowers his head as he concentrates on tending to my hoof.

Ah… this is the life. I’m enjoying a fresh cup of mint tea while being pampered by my obedient little son. And what is most enjoyable is that he’s in his place, kneeling before me like a little human should be.

After feeling him rub along my hooves I feel that he could do better. I look down at him “Precious, could you maybe press your little fingers into my hooves? I think a little added pressure would be exquisite.” I rub at his cheek.

He looks up at me and gives me a little nod “O-okay Mommy.” He swallows deeply as he looks down at my hooves and starts to press his small fingers into the fur and softness of my hooves.

It starts out divinely delectable at first, but suddenly I cringe as he presses too hard. I immediately pull my hooves away from him “Oh no, no, no darling, you’re pressing too hard.” I scold him in a sinister tone “Maybe we should just skip with the hoof massage and you can rub my shoulders.” I shake my head disapprovingly.

He lowers his head and starts to shake “I-I’m sorry Mommy. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Please don’t be mad at me.” He crosses his hands as he trembles under my glare.

I sigh heavily and stroke at the top of his head “Oh Connor, Mommy’s not mad. Next time though you give me a hoof massage, just try to do a better job, okay?” He gives me a nod and I smirk proudly. “Now darling, if you can, just stand up and move over to my side so you can massage my shoulders.” I watch as he obeys and carefully makes his way over to my side.

Such obedience might deserve an award after he gets done making me feel relaxed. After all he is my son and I love him with all my heart. I let out a snicker.

As soon as he reaches up to massage my shoulders, he presses down a little too hard causing me to cringe in pain once again. I let out a sigh of annoyance, shooting a stare at the child, causing him to step back a few steps. He starts trembling as he looks up at me “M-Mommy… I-I’m sorry.” I hear him whimper as he speaks.

I rub at my forehead with my hoof “It’s alright Connor. Just go get Mommy a glass of water, okay?” He gives me a nod and goes into the kitchen. I examine my hooves as he did do a decent job rubbing them as they feel relieved of stress.

“Mommy, here’s your glass of… AH!”I snap my head in the direction of Connor returning only to see him fall forward and I watch the glass of water fly from his grip onto the boutique floor.

I gasp as I look back and forth at the spilled water, and then at my son. A growl suddenly travels from the pit of my stomach, up my throat, and finally through my lips as they purse in anger. I climb off my sofa and meticulously trot toward the boy.

He backs up against the wall, trembling as he looks up at me with fear in his eyes. He whimpers as I see his lips quivering “P-please Mommy, I’ll clean it up, I promise. Just please don’t hurt me.” He crosses his hands in a begging manner.

“Tsk… tsk… tsk… I’m truly sorry little darling, but I’m afraid you’ve made enough mistakes. I think it’s time for me to give you a bath in what filthy little humans like you deserve to be washed in.” I let out a sinister laugh as I envelope him in my magic.

He cries “M-Mommy, what are you going to do to me? P-please Mommy, don’t hurt me, I promise I’ll be a good little boy.” I see tears start to roll down his cheeks as he looks at me with a pleading look.

My evil grin only grows at the pain he exhibits and I levitate him above me to the shower room. I immediately start the water, but instead of clear, clean water coming out, mud comes pouring out, because that is what a little dirty human boy deserves to bathed in. I look up to see him struggling in my aura and this causes me to just laugh evilly even more.

“Mommy, please don’t do this. I promise I won’t make another mess ever again, just please don’t be mad at me.” His cries only make me grin even wider as the mud water suddenly starts to spin until it forms a vortex. I carry him closer to the tub hovering him above the muddy hole. I snicker as I see him struggle more “No Mommy! Please Mommy, don’t let me go, please!” He cries out.

“I’m sorry darling, but Mommy has no time for mistakes like you. Just believe I did love you Connor, but this is for the best.” I look up with my sinister grin and wave a hoof at him “Goodbye little one.” I speak in a low meticulous tone as I suddenly let go of the small child and watch as he falls into the vortex.

He screams out as he falls “MOMMY NOOO!!!”

Suddenly I shoot up and gasp for air. I look around to see that I’m on the Friendship Express and realize it was all a bad dream. I pant heavily as I look down to see Connor curled up against my side and I can feel tears threaten to escape. I lean my head down to give my son a tender kiss on the top of his head.

Oh my baby boy, I’m so sorry. I blink my eyes allowing a couple stray tears to shed. It was all just a bad dream my precious son. I would never do anything like to you. I hug him closer to me with both forelegs.

“Passengers of The Friendship Express, we are arriving at the Ponyville Train Station, prepare to disembark.” The voice of the conductor sounded over the intercom and I let out a heavy sigh.

I turn to look outside of the window next to mine and Conner’s bed, and I see Sweetie Belle waiting on the dock with the two ponies I’m reluctant in introducing to Connor, my mother and father. I let out a heavy sigh as I lean down to nuzzle at his cheek “Connor sweetheart, it’s time to wake up.”

He shifts against me, letting out a little yawn and blink his eyes open “Hi Mommy. Are we back home?”

I give him a warm smile and rub along his back “Yes we are precious. And look who’s outside waiting to see you.” I point a hoof outside the window and I can see a big, bright smile spread across his face.

“Sweetie Belle and… is that my new grandma and new grandpa Mommy?” He looks up at me with wonder in his eyes.

I give him a nod “Yes they are darling. C’mon, let get out of this bed and stretch our legs so we can go see them.” He nods as I let him climb out of the bed first, stretch his little arms and legs. I climb out next and do the same as I lean on my forelegs to let him climb up on my back.

While we trot through the passenger carts to exit the train, I can’t stop thinking about that startling dream I had.

Maybe I should talk with Twilight about my dream, before something bad happens. That will come later, first, I got to introduce mother and father to my son and their new grandson.

Author's Note

I want to thank dred94 for the nightmare idea at the beginning. What else could happen to Rarity now with visions of actually forcing her son pampering her and her punishing him for not doing anything right? Has that voice gotten to Rarity? :pinkiegasp:

Chapter Seventeen

As we exit the train, I become extremely nervous, because of how my mother and father will react to me adopting Connor as my son. Also, I wonder how Sweetie Belle will feel about being an aunt to a child who is right around her age. My thoughts are cut off as I feel a hug around my neck and I turn to look at my son with a concerned look on his face.

“Mommy, are you okay?” He asks me with such tenderness.

I lean in and give him a soft kiss on the cheek “Of course sweetheart. Mommy’s okay, I was just thinking,” I speak reassuringly as I turn to see the others conversing among one another. I’ll just talk to Twilight later. It’s time for mother and father to meet their new grandson. I close my eyes, take in a deep breath and exhale deeply as I open them. I carefully trot toward them with Connor hugging my neck, causing my heart to melt.

Oh, you poor, poor dear. You know that they aren’t going to accept him, because he is not one of you. He is just a lowly creature who you found on the street. Do you really believe that your mother and father would welcome such a pest with open hooves?

Oh, would you please shut up! I can’t believe you’re still pestering me, and that nightmare I had was dreadful! I could never do anything so dastardly and barbaric to my precious baby boy. How dare you try to coerce me into turning him into my personal slave!

“Rarity!” my thoughts are cut off as my family calls for me as I approach them.

I carefully levitate Connor of my back onto the ground so I can give them all a hug “Mother, father, and Sweetie Belle! I’ve missed you three so much. You all wouldn’t believe the marvelous yet horrid time I had in Canterlot.” I let out a heavy sigh.

“That sounds wonderful dear, but I don’t know if I want to hear the horrid part,” mother speaks with her hoof on her chest. She gives me a warm smile “What do you say we go get something to eat at one of the cafes here in Ponyville?”

“Ooh, that sounds like a good idea mom,” Sweetie Belle exclaims with an ear splitting grin.

As we were about to leave to go to the café, I almost forgot about my son who was standing shyly behind me “Hold on mother and father,” I speak out and turn to look back at Connor. I reach a fore hoof out for him “It’s okay precious, there is no need to be shy,” I speak to him calmly as he places his little hand on my hoof and carefully walks by side. I wrap a foreleg around his shoulder and kiss the top of his head.

“Well, who might you be my young fella?” Father asks Connor as I look down at my son with a little smile on his face, but I can tell that he is as nervous as I am.

“Aw… aren’t just a cute little sweetheart,” Mother looks down at him and reaches out a hoof and gently holds up his little hand in it. She gives him a warm smile “It’s okay dear, there is no need to be afraid of me and Magnum. My name is Pearl Belle and it is a pleasure to meet you. What is your name precious?”

I clear my throat and pat at Connor’s shoulder. He looks up at me as I gently wave a hoof to let him know that I will tell them and he gives me a nod. A hesitant lump travels down my throat as I look at my parents and Sweetie Belle “Mother, father, I would like to introduce you to Connor… my son.” I let out a sigh of relief of finally getting that out.

“WHAT?!” all three of them gasps in unison. I look down to see Connor lower his head a little to look at the ground and fold his hands in front of his stomach. I gently soothe him by rubbing along his back with my foreleg.

I look at my parents and Sweetie Belle “Yes mother and father, I would like for you both to meet your new grandson… Connor,” I speak more proudly as I look down at my little boy as he raises his head a little to look at my parents. He then looks up at me as I smile warmly down at him and lean my head down to give him a tender kiss on the forehead. I look at Sweetie Belle “And Sweetie, I know you are only a filly, but I hope you wouldn’t mind being called Aunt Sweetie Belle by your new little nephew.” I give her a light-hearted smile and giggle gently.

I see her grin grow wider “You mean I get to be an Aunt to Connor?” I give her a nod “Oh this is so exciting that I could burst!” She leaps up in the air and sparks shoot from her horn from excitement. I feel little arms around my foreleg as I look down to see Connor hugging me tightly and shaking a little. I look at Sweetie with a concerned look on her face “Oh I’m so sorry little cutie,” she speaks calmly to him. “I guess I got too excited.” She lets out a little giggle and motions Connor over with a fore hoof “Come here my little nephew.”

He looks up at me for reassurance and I give him a warm smile and nod. He lets go of his hug around my foreleg and walks over to Sweetie Belle. She gently pulls him into a hug of her own and kisses him gently on the forehead. She smiles warmly at him “Come one little guy, hop on my back and we can go ahead of mom, dad, and Rarity,” she speaks with a big grin and lean on her forelegs for Connor to climb up. She stands back up and start trotting forward.

Father and Mother come up on each side of me “Rarity dear, Connor is indeed a precious little colt, but how did he actually end up here?” Mother asks quietly so the two young ones can’t hear. I can see curiosity etched on her face.

“Yeah, I mean it isn’t every day you see an odd creature appear in Ponyville out of nowhere,” Dad says and I gasp at him calling my baby boy a creature.

“Father, don’t call Connor odd or creature. He is my son, and I love him with all my heart,” I say with a little disappointment at him. I sigh heavily as I look up ahead at Sweetie and Connor as he is enjoying riding on his new aunt’s back. “I was trotting through town one night, you know one of my evening strolls when I heard a noise like some pony crying.” They both look at me with looks of shock.

“Oh no!” mother exclaims quietly and she looks up ahead “Was the crying coming from Connor dear?” She asks as I see a frown form on her face.

I sadly nod as I feel tears threatening to escape after remembering that night I found my precious son in that cold and dirty alleyway. I shake them away as I continue “When I found Connor mother, he was using a copy of the Ponyville newspaper as his only source of warmth and he was in such awful conditions. I couldn’t leave the little darling alone and abandoned like that, so I took him in, cleaned him up, and fed him something to eat that night. From that moment on, Connor touched my heart like no pony else, and that is when I decided to adopt him as my son.” A smile creeps across my face as I look at my baby boy.

I look over to see mother with a tear rolling down her cheek as she looks at me with a tearful smile “That is indeed a sad story dear, but I’m very proud of you for what you’ve done for Connor.” She reaches a hoof up to wipe away her tears.

“Yeah Rarity, there is a reason why you are the Element of Generosity, and you taking in the little tike shows how big and generous your heart is,” father speaks proudly as his words just warms my heart.

“Thank you Mother and Father, your support means so much to me,” I speak softly as I wipe away my own tears and I hug both of my parents. I shouldn’t tell them about what happened to Connor back on Earth, it will just be too much I think for them to handle. I’ll tell them later maybe when they’re ready.

After we arrive at the café, we take a sit at the table with my son sitting between me and Sweetie Belle. Mother, Father, and Sweetie Belle each order a dandelion sandwich, I order Connor a tomato and lettuce sandwich, and I order myself a fresh green salad. I smile softly as I watch my son eat at his sandwich with bigger bites than he started eating.

“Connor dear, are there any bedtime stories that you enjoy reading? Your grandpa and I always read to Sweetie Belle when she comes over to our house and we tuck her into bed. Maybe when Rarity brings you over to visit us, we will read you a bedtime story,” mother says with a warm smile on her face.

I look at Connor who lowers his head and looks at the table. I reach a hoof up and gently rub at his back, causing him to look up at me “It’s okay precious, I’m right here, you can tell your grandparents.” I give him a reassuring nod as they look at him, concern on their faces, along with Sweetie Belle.

He shakes his head as he looks at them “No grandma, I don’t’ have any favorite stories. Sir never read to me and he told the other caretakers not to read to me either. He told them that bad little boys like me didn’t deserve to be read bedtime stories,” he speaks with sadness in his voice.

I wrap my foreleg around his shoulders and pull him to me in a warm embrace “Shh… it’s okay Connor, Mommy’s here and you are a good little boy, a very good little boy and I love you with all my heart!” I give him a gentle kiss on top of his head and rub along his side.

I hear him sniffle as he looks up at me “I love you too Mommy!” He reaches up and hugs me around my neck and I hug him with both forelegs around his small back. I hold him close to the warmth of my chest as I stroke along his back.

Mother, father, and Sweetie Belle watches us embrace with each other with warm smiles on their faces. Sweetie reaches a hoof up to stroke along his back as well “Yes my sweet little nephew, you are indeed a good little boy, and don’t worry, I’ll show you some of my favorite bedtime stories that mom and dad reads to me.” She gives him a gentle kiss on top of his head as well.

I feel him turn in my forelegs to look at Sweetie and sniffles “I’d like that Aunt Sweetie Belle, thank you.” She gives him a nod with a bright smile.

I pat his back as we break our hug “Now what do you say we finish eating our lunch, and then we’ll go home?” I look down at him as he gives me a nod. We go back to eating at our meals.

After we finish a wonderful lunch, we decide to go our separate ways. Mother, father, and Sweetie Belle all give Connor a big warm hug “It was nice meeting you Connor dear,” mother says with a warm smile. She kisses him gently on the top of his head “I’m very proud to have you as my grandson sweetheart.”

“Yeah my young boy, I’m proud to be a grandpa myself,” father says with a big smile. He rubs at the top of Connor’s head gently with a hoof ruffling his mane some “And maybe one day Connor, your gramps can take you fishing.” He gives Connor a wink. Connor lets out a little giggle and nods with a soft smile.

“Goodbye for now my cute little nephew, I’m going to go with mom and dad to their home so I can go to school tomorrow.” Sweetie kisses him on the forehead and all four of them break the hug. He walks over to me and I lean down on my forelegs for him to climb up on my back.

“Bye mother, father, and Sweetie Bell. We’ll see you again ,” I say as I lift a hoof up to wave at them and they return it.

Connor lift his little hand up to wave as well “Bye grandma, grandpa, and Aunt Sweetie Belle, I love you all!” He says happily.

“We love you too Connor!” They all reply in unison and turn to trot toward their home. I in turn head toward mine and my son’s home.

During the night…

Mm… what a marvelous moment this is; I’m laying comfortably on my satin lounge and in front of me is my little boy, and I really mean my sweet little boy sleeping soundly. That shrinking spell I learned a while back sure did come in handy. He looks so cute and vulnerable all tiny and locked inside his little glass prison. I can’t help but chuckle to myself as I lick my lips at my little sweet treat.

Oh, the little sweetie is waking up. This is going to be so divine to see him tremble in fear at the sheer size of a true goddess in me, his dear old mommy. I smirk mischievously as my little morsel starts to stir.

I can hear him let out a little yawn “W-where am I?” he asks nervously as I watch him carefully stand up with his back toward me. I try to hold my snicker in as I watch him already shaking “M-Mommy, are you here? M-Mommy, I’m scared. I don’t know where I am.” He wraps himself up with his arms, giving himself a hug as I just smirk down slyly at my tasty little treat.

“Oh, Connor my sweet little baby boy, turn around,” I speak out with my tone oozing with sweetness. He turns around and begins to tremble.

“M-M-Mommy?!” he whimpers “H-how did you get so big, and where am I?” I watch as he looks around his glass prison shaking with fright and it makes me grin wider.

“Aw… what’s the matter my sweet little son, you don’t like me being big?” I let out a giggle and fold my forelegs. I lean my head down to the glass box causing him to tremble even more “Aw… it’s okay honey drop, I’m not going to hurt you.” I use a hoof to stroke at the box “I just shrunk you my precious treat, because I thought you would look so cute all tiny, and I was right.” I snicker as I give a giant kiss on the box.

I hear him whimper and I look down to see little tears running down his cheeks “M-m-mommy, please let me out of here, I’m scared. I promise I’ll be a good little boy, just don’t hurt me.” I see him sit down on the floor of the box and hug his knees to his chest.

I quietly open the top of his prison “Aw… my sweet little Connor, you look a little runny,” I mock as I watch him shudder with fear. I levitate him up and place him on an opened hoof, licking my lips, and grinning widely. I nuzzle his tiny form with my nose “Just the way I like you, sweetheart.”

He raises his head up from his lap and eeps as he looks into my giant sapphire eyes “W-w-what do you mean Mommy?” I lift my free hoof and hold him from behind as I smile mischievously at him.

“Well, you see sweetie, not only did I shrink you because I thought you would be so cute being tiny. Oh, no, no, no, I really shrunk you, because you are going to be my sweet little treat that will fill my tummy.” I snicker as I look at him tremble even more and look up at me with pure fear.

He turns his head timidly to see that I have him held by my other hoof. He looks up at me whimpering “M-m-mommy, you don’t mean that. I love you mommy and you…” I cut him off.

“Oh, I do mean it my sweet little morsel.” I nuzzle at him playfully, hearing him whimper and shake against my nose. I sniff him and he smells so heavenly “Now just hold still my little treat while Mommy wraps her glorious tongue around you.” I grin wide as I stretch out my tongue.

“No Mommy, please…mmmph!” He is cut off as my tongue wraps all the around his tiny form.

Mm… he tastes divine wrapped in my silky tongue. He is indeed a sweet little boy, a delicious little human. I can’t help but giggle as I pull my tongue back in.

I feel him wriggling within my tongue, and it feels kind of nice. This is fun and all my little sweet gumdrop, but it’s time for you to say hello to my tummy. I unwrap my tongue around him as I hear him scream inside my mouth.

“NO MOMMY! PLEASE DON”T EAT ME!” I hear him start crying.

I’m sorry my little sweet child, but a weak and puny little human like yourself deserves to be a mere snack to a beautiful goddess like myself. I chuckle as I take one big swallow and gulp the scared little boy down my throat. I smile evilly as I feel him wiggle all the down my throat, and suddenly I can feel him the surface of my stomach.

I use a hoof to rub at my tummy "Mm… you were certainly a sweet little treat Connor darling. Maybe I’ll spit you up later and use a spell on you where I can keep you as my constant little sweet snack.” I chuckle “For right now, you just stay in there and fill my tummy like the tasty little child you are.” I smile evilly and rub at my tummy some more.

I shoot up and gasp for air “Oh, no, not another nightmare,” I say to myself as I pant heavily, my chest rising and falling rapidly. I can’t help but let tears roll down my cheeks “This one was even more frightful than the last. Not only did I shrink my little boy, but… but… I… gulp… ate him.” I carefully climb out of my bed as I regain my composure.

I exit my room and quietly trot over to the guest room which Connor is sleeping in. I peek in to see he is sleeping quietly tucked under his blankets. I let out a heavy sigh of relief and quietly close the door.

I stand there for a little while taking in deep breaths. This is getting out of control, and I’m afraid it’s going to get much worse if I don’t go talk to Twilight right away. I turn my head toward Connor’s door “Don’t worry my precious baby boy, I’m going to get this taken care of,” I whisper to myself and I make my way down the stairs.

I trot to the door I hope he’ll be okay by himself. I’ll make sure to lock the door nice and tight[/i. I use my magic to open the door, trot outside, close it, and lock it. I hate to disturb Twilight during this hour of the night, but I got to get some help with these nightmares, or else something terrible is going to happen, not only to me, but my son.

I take in a deep breath and exhale as I make my way toward the Golden Oaks Library.

Chapter Eighteen

I sure do hope Twilight is awake at this hour. I don’t want to disturb her if she is asleep, but I don’t know much longer I can go on like this with these nightmares of torturing my little boy. I can feel tears threaten to escape as I approach the library. I close my eyes, take in a deep breath, and deeply exhale as I reach a hoof up to knock on the door lightly.

The door opens to reveal Twilight with her reading glasses on “Oh, hello Rarity. What are you doing here at this time of night and where’s Connor?” She asks with a look of confusion on her face.

“Don’t worry Twilight Connor is perfectly fine. He is sleeping peacefully in bed and I have the doors locked.” I give her a half smile “Also I wanted to come alone, because I need to speak with you about something that has been troubling me, and I didn’t want to talk about it around him. I don’t want to scare my baby boy.” I lower my eyes to the ground.

“Oh Rarity, please come in. I was just doing a little late night reading anyways.” She steps aside to let me trot inside. As I enter the library I trot over and take a seat on the rug in front of the fireplace. Twilight trots over and sits down across from me, giving me a concerned look “Now tell me Rarity, what’s wrong?”

I let out a heavy sigh “Well actually Twilight, it’s a couple of things, and I feel if I don’t stop, then something terrible is going to happen to Connor.” I reach a hoof up to wipe away a strand tear rolling down my cheek “Do you remember that voice I spoke of the night of the Grand Galloping Gala?”

She nodded “Yes I remember. It told how you were making a mistake in taking in Connor and tried to convince you that if you did, it would ruin your career as a fashionista. Don’t tell me that it’s still taunting you.” She looks at me concernedly.

I solemnly nod “Yes it is Twilight, but it gets worse every day. Not only is it the voice that is bothering me, but I’m having these nightmares in which I am doing something awful to Connor.” I turn my head to the side letting out a deep sigh.

Twilight gasped “What do you mean awful Rarity?”

I turn my attention back to her “Well in one dream, I ordered my baby to kneel before me like a lowly servant and give my hooves a nice firm massage. It was like I was there, but wasn’t there, because in the dream I was so cruel and I smiled devilishly as Connor was on his knees.” I let out a little whimper “I said that it was his place as a weak little human to kneel at the hooves of a goddess like I.”

I can see a frown forming on Twilight’s muzzle as I continue “After a few minutes, he kind of hurt my hooves as he rubbed at them and I ordered him to stand up to give my back a massage. He rubbed a little too hard and I yelled at him, causing him to stumble backwards against the wall. Instead of feeling heartbroken at the sight of my son frightened of me, I relished in it Twilight.” My lips quiver as I look her sadly.

She reached out a hoof to hold mine soothingly. She gives me a look of concern as she rubs my hoof gently to let me continue.

I take in a shuddering breath “After I was upset at him for not massaging me right, I told him that it was time for him to say goodbye. I used my magic to levitate him while I trotted up toward my washroom.” I begin to shake as I recall the darkest part of the nightmare “I laughed at the crying and begging he was doing for me to let him go. He begged me to stop and he promised to be a good little boy for me, but I wouldn’t stop. I turned on the water in the tub, but it turned into a whirlpool… and… and…” I shudder harder.

Twilight gets up and trots over to my side, rubbing at my back gently “And then what happened?” She asks with concern.

“I dropped him into it Twilight and watched him get sucked in. He screamed out for me, but all I did was laugh at him. It was like I was a totally different pony whose only enjoyment was to see the little darling suffer.” I allow a few more fresh tears to shed.

“Oh Rarity, I’m so sorry.” Twilight continues to rub over my back soothingly to try and calm me down. She lets out a heavy sigh “What other nightmares have you had besides this one?”

A swallow of nervousness travels down my throat “Well, there has only been one other nightmare, but this one was more terrifying than the first one.” I lower my head and close my eyes as my tears stain the wooden floor.

“It’s okay Rarity, you can tell me. Maybe then we can figure out what we need to do to help you.” Twilight’s words of reassurance put a small smile on my face.

I inhale deeply and exhale as I open my eyes back up and turn to her. “In this nightmare, I was a giant and Connor is a tiny little boy the size of a parasprite. He was adorable I may admit, but I had the poor dear locked inside a glass box and I looked down at him with a sinister grin on my face…”

I sigh heavily “When he looked up at me, he was frightened and shook like a leaf, but that only made me smile wider.” I can feel a few more tears roll down my cheek “After I released him from his glass prison, I… I… I ate him!” I wrap my forelegs around Twilight’s neck and cry into her shoulder “Oh Twilight, what can I do to stop these nightmares? I’m scared if I don’t get them under control, then I’m going to do something terrible to Connor. I couldn’t possibly live with myself if I done something to my baby boy.” I start to shudder with sobs.

Twilight hugs me back soothingly “Shhh… just calm down Rarity.” I feel her rub up and down my back gently as she continues to speaking soft shushing sounds into my ear. After a couple minutes we break the hug and she uses a hoof to wipe away at the remainder of my tears “That’s better. Now, what I think we should do is first contact Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I believe they might know what to do about your nightmares, and also that troublesome voice.”

I sniffle and nod in agreement “I agree Twilight. The princesses usually do know how to deal with issues such as mine.” I give Twilight a soft, sincere smile.

She gives me a nod and returns the smile “It’s settled then. Rarity, I need you to just go home and try to rest for the night, and I’ll write a letter to send to Princess Celestia asking for her and Luna’s assistance.” She rubs at my shoulder gently “I promise you Rarity, we’ll get this taken care of, and we’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you or Connor, okay?”

I nod “Okay Twilight, I trust you.” I give her one more hug “Just let me know when you hear anything from the princesses, okay?” She gives me a nod and we break the hug. I turn to trot out of the library, but look at her one last time “Thank you again Twilight darling for your help. You and the others are the best friends a pony could ask for.”

She nods softly “Don’t mention it Rarity that is what friends are for. I’ll let you know first thing when I get a reply. Just go home and rest for now.” I nod as I wave at her with a hoof and she returns it. I exit the library and make my way home.

When I return home, I trot upstairs and enter Connor’s room to check on him. A warm smile spreads across my muzzle as I watch him sleeping peacefully under his covers with his small form rising and falling. I quietly trot over to the side of his bed and lean my head down to give him a tender kiss on the forehead.

Oh my sweet baby boy, Mommy’s going to get these nightmares and this insane voice taken care of. I promise my son I won’t ever let any harm come to you.

I reach up and gently stroke at his mane and I gently whisper into his ear “Sweet dreams Connor, Mommy loves you.” I give him one last kiss on the cheek and turn to trot out of his room. I leave the door slightly opened so I can hear if anything bad does happen.

I trot over to my bedroom, climb into my bed, and crawl underneath the covers. I let out a heavy sigh and close my eyes softly.

I sure do hope the princesses can help me with my problems.

Chapter Nineteen

As the crack of dawn arrives, I start to stir in my bed as I can feel the warm rays of sunlight shine through my balcony window and wash over me. A soft sigh escapes my lips as I smile warmly Oh thank goodness I was finally able to sleep without… wait, what’s that noise? My thoughts are disrupted by the sound of a continuous light tapping upon a hard surface Wait, that is my sewing machine.

I sit up in bed and reach up to remove my sleeping mask “Ugh… Sweetie Belle, I thought I’ve told you a million times to never use my…” I immediately silence myself as I peer at the figure at my work table. I gasp, for it isn’t Sweetie Belle, but my dear baby boy. My lip curl in curiosity of why he would be using my sewing machine “Connor darling, what you are you doing up so early?” I ask out as softly as I could.

Suddenly, a warm smile creeps across my muzzle Aww… he’s probably making his mommy something special… but wait he doesn’t know how to use the sewing machine. I never taught him to use it. What if he hurts himself? I carefully climb out of my bed and stretch out my legs before trotting over to him “Sweetheart, please be careful, Mommy doesn’t want you to…. Ah!” I let out a shriek when I see my darling son in a ghastly outfit of all orange, but what really startles me is that his little hands are connected together by shackles.

“Oh my precious darling, who done this to you?” He doesn’t seem to hear me, because he is deeply concentrating on working on something. I look at his little hands closer and I place a hoof against my mouth with a light gasp, because they are red with soreness I can tell. I feel tears sting my eyes “Oh Connor baby, can you hear me? It’s me your Mommy, please look at me.” My heart aches to see my son in this manner.

“Mommy, I’m almost done with this dress you asked me to make for you.” I look oddly at him, because I’m standing by beside him, but suddenly I hear hoofsteps approaching my bedroom. I turn my head to look at the door which opens with my aura.

“Well my darling Connor, let’s see how you done with this one. If it’s as good as the other ones you made for my clients, then I might consider in unshackling you.” I’m shocked at the words that this facade of a mare that is me says to my son “Very fine indeed my dear little slave.” She patted at his cheek with a hoof.

“YOU!” I snap at the doppelganger pony that is me. Finally I’m able to see the one who has been tormenting me for so long, but she seems a bit off. As I look at her, her coat is a little more duller than mine, but still has the pristine smoothness to it. Her mane is all dolled up like she is going to a special party or something.

She turns to look at me with a sly smirk and her eyes are what catches my attention the most. They don’t possess the warmth and calmness in their stare as mine do, but a cold and callous demeanor about them. A scowl of anger etches on my face as I stare a hole through her “What in the world of Equestria do you think you’re doing to my son, you beast of a lady?!” I stomp my hoof against the floor.

She responds with a chuckle “Well my naive darling, first off he isn’t your son in this dream of yours, but only my obedient little slave. Secondly my dear, I’m just getting him to make me some of my fabulous designs for some very important clients.” Another lowly laugh escapes from her lips which feels like acid being poured into my ears. Her grin grows wider “But don’t worry Rarity, he is unable to hear or see you, since this is just a dream.”

Soon the atmosphere surrounding us starts to ripple and it becomes just a void of white. I look around seeing nothing but emptiness and quietness, and then I turn back to this imposter and let out a growl. I glare at her with rage “Who are you exactly, and why are you tormenting me with such horrific visions of me torturing my precious baby boy?!” I can’t help but feel tears sting my eyes.

“I thought I’ve already went over this with you darling, but I’m the much better and more realistic side of yourself.“ I keep my expression of anger set upon her as I watch her start to slowly circling me “While you are too weak-minded to comprehend it, I truly understand the reality for a little human child such your son as you like to call him is to be raised properly to understand their rightful place, and that is at the hooves of ponies like us. Why not begin their training when they are young and naive?” She lets out a giggle and I just shake my head disapprovingly.

“How dare you speak of any creature like that, even if that creature is a human, and especially one as young as my dear Connor! You’re nothing but a twisted, cruel, and callous voice inside my head!” I furrow my brows in anger and light up my horn to prepare to use my magic against her.

“Tsk… Tsk… Tsk.. Why resolve to violence my dear when you know that not only am I just a single voice, but the better half of you?” I can’t take it anymore as I stomp my hoof again and shoot my magic at her, but I’m stunned as my beam of magic goes right through her. I see her grab at herself with a hoof “Sorry darling, but you know you can’t harm a voice, or so that’s what you call me. I’m not going to be done with you my dear until I make you realize that you are a true goddess, and that little one is nothing but a servant.” She cackles evilly, and I just stand there seething with anger.

“ENOUGH! Be gone you treacherous spirit!” Suddenly the figure before me slowly started to drift away like particles of sand in the wind.

“Gah… You haven’t seen or heard the last of me my darling. I promise I will make it more miserable for you until you come to realization that the little human is nothing more than a lowly servant.” I watch as the last of her finally drifts away.

Soon I can see a blurry figure slowly approaching me “My dear and generous friend, are you alright?” I see that it’s Princess Luna trotting up to me with a concerned look on her face.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips “Oh Princess Luna, thank goodness you showed up, but how come are you here if a lady may ask?” I look up at her with a warm smile, but with curiosity.

She sits down on her haunches before me “Well my friend, Twilight Sparkle wrote to me about your previous nightmares with this voice inside your head, and that is all it is Rarity is a voice. However, it gets stronger with each nightmare you have, because it’s slowly taking over your mentality.” She gently places a hoof on my shoulder.

I lower my head and solemnly nod in agreement “Yes your highness, I feel that it’s controlling me, but how can I control it instead? I don’t want to lose all control, and it causes me to really turn my sweet little darling into a mere slave.” I finally allow the tears that have been stinging my eyes to run down my cheek.

She places her hoof under my chin and raises my head to look at her “My dear friend, the answer to your question resides in you. I may be able to help soothe the minds of my ponies in their dreams, but it is truly up to them to either achieve peace in their minds or achieve anguish.” I look up at her with confusion etched on my face as I sniffle, but she gives me a warm smile in return “It’s up to you Rarity to stop the voice in your mind. I suggest next time you have a nightmare involving her and her doing something horrible to Connor, you stand up to her and show her that you aren’t going to let her control you anymore.”

As the last remaining tear falls from my cheek, I look up at Princess Luna with a confident smile “I think I understand what you’re telling me princess. If I have a chance of overcoming this ghastly voice and finally ridding my life of it, I’ve got to face it and not let it defeat me.” She simply responds with a nod of her head.

“That is correct my friend. Now I shall return to the castle, but if you do need me during this time of stress for you, I will come to your side. For now my little pony, you may wake up.” With that, she slowly drifts away, and I slowly awake from my slumber.

I sit up in my bed, remove my sleeping mask, and take in a deep breath, exhaling deeply. I climb out of my bed and trot over to my balcony window to look out at the beautiful sun of Princess Celestia shining brightly. I take in a deep breath of the fresh morning air and a smile of confidence and determination creeps across my muzzle.

Alright voice, you want to try and control me. Make me into a cruel and cold-hearted master to my baby boy, then I say bring it on. I’ll be ready for you next time.

Author's Note

I had this in my head yesterday, and I wanted to go ahead and write it down. Well, thank goodness for Princess Luna showing up in time, or maybe the "Voice" would have done really caused Rarity to submit to it. :pinkiegasp:

Chapter Twenty

After experiencing yet another horrendous nightmare, but having assistance from Princess Luna to deal with it I wake up in my bed with a sigh of relief escaping my lips. I remove my sleeping mask from my face and blink my eyes open That was an equally awful dream as the past ones, but I’m glad Princess Luna came to chase it away before it got worse. However, if I have any chance of ridding my mind of this imposter for good, I’ve got to face her on my own. I let out a heavy sigh and decide to trot over to Connor’s bedroom to check on him.

When I open the door to look inside I gasp, because he isn’t in his bed. As I’m about to call out his name I catch a heavenly scent Mm… what is that wonderful smell? Wait… I hope my little boy isn’t. I shake away my thoughts and quickly turn to trot downstairs. Approaching the kitchen, my jaw drops as I can see the table all set up with breakfast and I turn to see my baby boy standing on a chair at the sink.

Being careful not to scare him, I very quietly trot closer to the table to examine what he prepared. I hold my hoof to my chest as tears sting my eyes, because what I see is a delectable looking breakfast that I’m stunned that such a young child could make. On the plate before me are two pieces of toast with pats of butter on them, two perfectly cooked eggs, and a glass of orange juice. I look over at him My baby boy made his Mommy breakfast, the sweet little dear.

I can’t help but let out a sniffle, which causes him to jump a little and he turns around. I see him shake a little “Good morning Mommy. I wanted to fix you something for breakfast, I hope you like it.” He gives me a little smile as he climbs off the chair. I look to see that he was washing dishes and they were sparkling like a set of diamonds.

As soon as he gets closer I gently reach out my foreleg and wrap it around his little shoulders, pulling him to the warmth of my chest. I hug him warmly and lean down to kiss the top of his head “Oh Connor darling, I love it!” I smile warmly down at him as I feel him hug at my chest and I gently rub up and down his back. After a couple minutes we break the hug and I look down at him “How did you learn to cook like this sweetheart?” I help him up into his chair before I trot over to mine.

“Sir always told me if I wanted something to eat, I would have to get it myself.” I can hear a faint whimper in his tone as I begin using my magic to cut up the eggs “I had to wake up real early in the morning if I wanted to breakfast and fix it myself, because if I was late waking up Sir would make sure I didn’t eat until he was ready for me to eat.” My blood starts to boil as I hear this admission about this ‘Sir’, another barbaric creature I wish I could just give a good ol’ thrashing to.

I give a sad smile as I reach over with my hoof to gently rub at his arm as I see him about to cry “Shh… it’s okay dear, there is no need to fear anymore from that foul beast. Mommy’s here to protect you, and I’ll always let you have whatever you want to eat whenever you get hungry.” I reach my hoof up to gently stroke at his hair.

He gives me a little smile in return and sniffles “Thank you Mommy, I love you.” He reached up to hold at my hoof and nuzzle his cheek against it. My heart melts at the gesture and I smile affectionately as I see he made himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

“Mommy loves you too darling.” I start eating at my food and after I swallow a few bites I look at him softly “Hey Connor, what do you say after we enjoy this marvelous breakfast you prepared we go see your grandparents and Aunt Sweetie Belle?” I give a blushing smile knowing that should excite him.

I am correct as he gives me a big, bright smile “Oh, I’d like that Mommy!” I let out a giggle at his enthusiasm. I give him a nod as we went back to eating our breakfast.

After finishing our lovely morning meal, I wait for Connor to go get dressed by the door. As I wait thoughts begin to stir in my head I just hope mother, father, and Sweetie Belle will be okay watching after him for a while. I don’t want him to be anywhere near me when I get ready to face this voice of mine once and for all. I sigh softly as I look up to see my baby boy coming down the stairs.

“Ready sweetheart?” He gives me a nod and I crouch down to let him climb up on my back and I stand back up. I trot out of the boutique and lock the door before turning and heading toward my parents’ house.

Canterlot Castle - Princess Luna’s P.O.V

I pace back and forth within my chambers thinking about last night’s events. Helping Rarity was the least I could do, but I could sense that there was something terribly off about her doppelganger. I could feel some dark and powerful force just waiting to come out, but I don’t understand why it didn’t in her dream last night. My thoughts are interrupted as the door to my bed chambers open.

My sister trots in “Good morning Lulu.” Tia gives me a warm smile in which I return. She trots up to me and wraps a foreleg around my neck, giving me a soft hug. After pulling apart she can see that there is something bothering me “Sister, what’s the matter? You look like you’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed.” She lets out a giggle and I just sigh softly.

I look up into her eyes “Tia, last night I appeared in our dear friend Rarity’s dream to chase away a vision and help sooth her worries. However, when I arrived, I could feel something very off about the vision.” I sigh heavily and turn my head away.

She places a hoof under my chin and turns my head to look at her “Lulu, what was it about this vision that has you so concerned? I can see that it’s bothering you.” She gives me a soft smile, always being the caring big sister she is.

“Tia, I’m afraid that this imposter Element of Generosity is much worser than Rarity or I can fathom. I feel that if she doesn’t take the opportunity to rid her mind of this voice, then it’s going to manifest into not only hers, but my worse fear.” A look of fear creeps on my face.

Tia gasps “Luna, you don’t mean her, do you?” I can sense her deep concern for the possibility.

I give a solemn nod “Yes Tia, and if Rarity cannot overcome this dark and twisted sub-conscience of hers, then I feel that we might be in serious danger.” I slowly turn away from her and look toward my window “Tia, do you think you could write a letter to Twilight Sparkle and notify that her and the other Elements need to come to the castle. I believe we all can help Rarity beat this thing before it completely comes to life.”

“Of course my sister, I will write a letter right away.” I turn my head and give a nod to her as she turns to trot out of my room. I turn and trot out to the balcony of the castle to look out at the horizon with my sister’s sun washing over the land with it’s warm light. I take in a deep breath of morning air and a look of determination forms on my face.

I won’t let you return and take over one of my friends… Nightmare Moon.

Author's Note

:pinkiegasp: It looks like that Nightmare Moon is trying to return, but through the means of Rarity this time :twilightoops: . Can Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, and the Elements of Harmony help Rarity beat her doppelganger in time?

Chapter Twenty-One

The morning air is calm and cool as it brushes against my fur as Connor and I head to my parents’ house. I take in a deep breath of fresh morning air and exhale, turning around to look at my baby boy with a warm smile “It sure is a beautiful morning, isn’t it dear?” I nuzzle at his cheek gently, causing him to blush a shade of pink.

“Yes it is Mommy, I can’t wait to see Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Sweetie Belle!” I see him light up with joy speaking of his grandparents and aunt. I feel him hold onto me by hugging my neck with his little arms “Where do they live Mommy?”

“Oh don’t worry darling, we’re almost there. However, there is a small pond in the back of their home and knowing my father like I do, he would maybe want to take you fishing with him sometime. How does that sound my dear?” I reach up to gently stroke at his hands around my neck as I trot along the path.

“Oh that sounds like fun Mommy! I never been fishing before, do you think Grandpa will teach me?” I giggle light-heartedly at the enthusiasm in his voice.

“Oh, yes of course Connor, he’ll definitely teach you how to catch some scrumptious fish.” I smile warmly as I can see the bridge up ahead that we need to cross to get to the house. I let out another light giggle “And after you catch some, maybe mother and father can fix you a nice, fresh fish dinner.”

I hear him let out a sigh of warmth “Mm… that sounds yummy Mommy!” He lets out a giggle of his own getting excited about the fun things that mother, father, and Sweetie Belle could do together.

As we approach their home “Well my precious, we’re here. Would you like to knock on the door?” I turn to see him give me a nod and I lean forward on my forelegs to let him climb off my back.

“Do you think they are home Mommy?” He looks up at me curiously as he reaches out to knock on the door.

“They should be dear, they hardly ever leave home unless they go get supplies from the market or they go on trips.” I give him a warm smile and look back at the door as it opens.

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle squealed and then looked at Connor “And my cutie of a nephew, what are you two doing here?” She beams as she trots up to give me a hug and I return it. She then pulls her nephew into a warm embrace, wrapping both of her forelegs around him, and then rubbing up and down his back gently.

“We came to visit you all for a while. Where’s mother and father?” I smile warmly at her as she continues to hold Connor warmly in her embrace.

“Mom’s in the kitchen fixing breakfast and Dad is in the living room reading the newspaper.” She nuzzles the top of her nephew’s head “And how is my sweet little nephew doing today?”

He giggles “I’m doing good Aunt Sweetie Belle. I’ve miss you, Grandpa, and Grandma.” I smile as I watch him hug her around her neck and she continues to rub up and down his back.

“Come you two, let’s go see what mother and father are preparing.” I pat at Connor’s back with a hoof as he looks up at me with a nod. I let him walk with us, as we trot through the living room toward the kitchen “Mother, Father, your other lovely daughter and precious grandson are here.” I look over to see father at at the coffee table “Hello father, how are you today?”

He looks up from reading his paper “Hey there pumpkin pie!” He gives me a warm smile, causing me to blush at one of the many cutesy nicknames he likes to give me. He stands up and trots over to us, and looks down at Connor “Well heya my little chipper of a grandson, how are you doing?” He ruffles at Connor’s head with a hoof.

He giggles as his head is ruffled “I’m doing good Grandpa, I’ve missed you.” He smiles up at father and gives him a hug around his foreleg.

“Well, I’ve missed you too big guy. What do you say we go into the kitchen to get something good for breakfast?” He lifts Connor up onto his back and looks at me “And how are you doing Rarity?”

I simply nod my head and smile warmly “I’m doing good father, thank you for asking.” I trot along with Sweetie Belle behind the two.

As we approach the kitchen, I can smell a heavenly scent and I can tell that Mother has been working hard on today’s morning meal. “Hello mother, I hope we aren’t intruding.” I let out a light giggle.

She turns around as she is preparing a few plates “Oh, good morning sweetheart.” She greets me with a loving smile and immediately beams when she notices Connor “Oh my, hello my dear little peach!” She trots up and reaches up to wrap a foreleg around his back in a hug.

He hugs her around her neck happily “Hi Grandma!” I just smile warmly at the site.

I take in another whiff of the enticing aroma “Mm… Mother, what in Equestria are you fixing? It smells absolutely divine.” I let out a comforted sigh as not only the smell is marvelous, but always when I come to see mother and father, their home is always welcoming.

“Well Rarity dear, I read a cooking magazine one day and it had a wonderful take on hay cakes.” She gives a warm smile as she uses her magic to levitate the plates over to the table “All I had to do was blend a mix of blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries in the hay cake batter and voila!” She smiles at the finished product as we all look at the hay cakes.

I nod “That sounds delightful indeed Mother, I might have to borrow that recipe from you.” I blush and giggle, but suddenly sigh heavily “Mother, Father, could I maybe speak with you two for a moment?” As expected, I watch them look at each other worriedly, but nod at me. I turn to Connor “Connor dear, you eat some breakfast and Mommy will be right back.”

He gives me a soft smile “Okay Mommy.” I return the smile as I motion mother and father to follow me into the living room.

When we enter into the living room I sigh heavily. Mother places a hoof on my shoulder “Rarity dear, is something the matter?” I give a solemn nod.

I inhale and exhale deeply “Mother, Father, I haven’t told you any of this, because I didn’t want you both to worry, but I believe it’s time for me to tell you since it has gotten out of control.” I look into their eyes, tears forming in my own.

Fathers lays his hoof on my other shoulder “Rarity, I don’t like how this is going.” I can hear the concern in his voice and my heart just aches for both of them.

“Well Father, Mother, for a while now I’ve been having this voice in my head tormenting me. It has spoken to me about how Connor is nothing but a lowly human and should be treated like a human should be treated by a pony like me, nothing more than a slave.” My lips curl into a look of anger as I even think about it “And worse, I’ve been having these nightmares where I treat my baby boy exactly like a slave and even hurt him.” I allow a couple tears to shed down my cheeks.

“Oh Rarity sweetheart, you should have told us about all this sooner.” Mother wraps her forelegs around my neck and rubs up and down my back soothingly to try and calm me down.

Father joins along in comforting me “Pumpkin, have you told your friends about this or even the princesses? Maybe the could come up with a way help you fight this voice of yours and stop the nightmares.”

I let out another heavy sigh “Well Father, I…” There is a sudden knock at the door and I look on curiously “I wonder who that could be?” I look at my parents who have the same look of curiousness on their face. I trot up to the door and open it to see my friends standing there “Twilight, girls, why are you all doing here?”

“Rarity, we need to speak to you and it very important.” Twilight gives me a serious glare and then looks past me at mother and father “Mr. and Mrs. Belle, would it be okay if we speak with your daughter alone for a little bit?”

“Oh of course Rarity’s friends.” Mother gives me a warm smile and nod “We’ll just be in the kitchen with Connor and Sweetie Belle sweetheart.” They both turn to trot back into the kitchen.

I decide to go outside to talk with my friends “Twilight, what’s wrong and how did you all know that I’ll be here at my parents’ house?” I look at each of them worriedly.

Applejack tips her hat toward me “Well sugarcube, we all came by the boutique to get ya, but you and the little feller were gone. So we figured that yall would be here.”

“Rarity, I received a letter from Princess Celestia this morning, and we have been asked to go to Canterlot right away.” She sighs heavily “Princess Luna believe that the voice that has been tormenting you all this time is not only a voice Rarity, but a form of Nightmare Moon!”

I gasp loudly “Nightmare Moon?! But I thought we defeated her when we used the Elements of Harmony and brought Princess Luna back!” I bite my lower lip nervously.

“Well it seems like that her spirit didn’t totally vanish.” Rainbow hovers up in the air with her forelegs crossed “And now the hag is trying to take over your mind Rarity and turn you into the new Nightmare Moon.”

“Well darlings, we certainly cannot let that happen.” A look of determination forms on my face “Let me just go tell my family that I’ll be going, okay?” They give me a nod as I turn and trot back into the house.

Entering into the kitchen I smile warmly as I see my precious son enjoying a lovely breakfast with my parents and little sister. He looks at me as he giggles happily “Hi Mommy!” I feel tears start to well up in my eyes, but I prevent myself from crying.

“Hi my darling baby boy, could Mommy speak with you for a minute?” I motion him with a forehoof and he climbs of his chair and walks over to me. I wrap my foreleg around him gently and pull him to me in a warm hug. I look down at him and kiss his forehead “Sweetheart, Mommy has to go with her friends to see the princesses for something important, okay?” I rub at his side with my foreleg.

He looks up at me worriedly, but gives me a nod understanding “Okay Mommy, I will be a good boy while you’re gone.” He then hugs my stomach with his little arms and I can’t help but sniffle.

I nuzzle the top of his head “That’s my baby. I know you’ll be a good boy for your grandpa, grandma, and Aunt Sweetie Belle.” I look at the other three who gives us a warm smile.

“Don’t worry Rarity dear, we’ll take good care of him while you’re gone.” Mother gives me a nod of reassurance.

I hold him in my embrace a couple more minutes before breaking apart. I sniffle again and look into his eyes “Mommy has to go now dear, but I promise I’ll be back. Mommy loves you Connor!” I give him one last kiss on the forehead.

“I love you to Mommy!” He gives me a soft smile before walking over to eat at his food again.

I look at mother, father, and Sweetie Belle “Bye family, I shall return.” I blow each of them a kiss and wave a hoof before turning to trot out of the kitchen and back outside to join the others. I wipe at my eyes.

“Are ya alright sugarcube?” Applejack places her hoof gently on my shoulder.

I sniffle and nod “Yes Applejack darling, I’m okay.” I shake my head some to focus and look at my friends “Now let’s go to Canterlot!” They nod in agreement and we all head toward the train station.

So Nightmare Moon, you want to try and turn me into you? Well darling, you’ve picked on the wrong mare this time.

Author's Note

Well, it looks like that Rarity is indeed ready for a fight. :rainbowdetermined2: Let's just hope it's not too late :twilightoops:

Chapter Twenty-Two

After arriving at Canterlot, my heart pounds heavily as we make our way toward the castle. I’m still trying to get over the fact that the spirit of Nightmare Moon is the one that’s been tormenting me this whole time. A feeling of worry washes over me What if she succeeds in taking over my mind and body? She’ll definitely be able to do anything she wanted to my precious son and I won’t be able to do anything about it. A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I look at the ground with a frown.

“Hey Rares, are ya alright? Ya look like Winona when she’s sick.” I feel Applejack place a hoof on my shoulder.

I give her a disgruntled glare “Well that is very nice of you darling to compare to me a sick dog!” I sigh heavily and realize that I shouted at her “I’m terribly sorry Applejack darling, but I’m still just trying to understand why the spirit of Nightmare Moon has chosen me as her prey.”I look at all my friends with a frown.

“Don’t worry Rarity, Princess Luna will be able to help you.” Twilight reassures me with a warm smile “Remember, nopony knows Nightmare Moon better than she does. She’ll know how to defeat the spirit of Nightmare Moon.”

“I hope you’re right Twilight dear, because I just don’t want that foul creature to be reborn in me and hurt my son again.” I feel tears form in my eyes at the thought of Connor being tormented even worse by me if I become Nightmare Moon.

“Hey now girl, don’t turn on the water works.” Rainbow Dash hovers down beside me and places a hoof on my shoulder “We’ll beat this thing Rares, together!” She gives me a firm nod along with the others.

I look at them with a soft smile before I take in a deep breath and exhale “Thank you girls, I don’t know where I would be without you all as my friends.” I sniffle and give a nod “Let’s go end this once and for all.”

Soon we arrive at the castle where two guards give us a courteous bow of their heads “Twilight Sparkle and friends, the princesses has been expecting you. Please make your way to the royal throne room.” The two gives a bow of their heads once more and we return it as we trot into the castle.

As we arrive at the throne room Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are sitting at their respective thrones. The look on the faces are of focus “Welcome my little ponies. Luna and I are glad that you all could arrive as soon as you could.” We give them a bow before we approach them.

“Of course Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Twilight nods “As soon as I received your letter, I went to gather my friends.” A look of worry soon washes over her face “What is this about Nightmare Moon possibly returning? I thought we got rid of her once and for all when we used the Elements of Harmony on her.” We all nod in agreement.

A heavy sigh escapes Luna’s lips “My dear friends, it was only the spirit of Nightmare Moon you all vanquished as you know I returned to my old self. Yes you all got rid of Nightmare Moon, but from within me and I don’t know where her spirit went to. I never thought it would return until I discovered her in Rarity’s nightmare.” She looks at me with great worry in her eyes.

“So how are we suppose to beat this thing this time?” Rainbow Dash pounds her hooves together “If we can’t see Nightmare Moon, then we can’t actually lay a good hoof beating on her.”

Luna nods in agreement and lets out a heavy sigh “That is true loyal Rainbow Dash, and that is why we must venture into the dream world to face this menace before she has a chance to return to her full form.” She turns her attention to me “My friend Rarity, for us to be able to do this, we must travel into your dreams. Will that be okay with you?”

I look at her with determination and give a firm nod “Of course princess, I want to end these nightmares once and for all. I want to finally put an end to that barbaric so she will leave Connor and myself alone.”

“Count us in princess!” My friends firmly nod and I can feel my heartbeat rise with pride at their support and willingness to help me.

“First though, Rarity, this might sound painful, but I assure you it’s not. For us to be able to visit your dreams, my sister and I will have to put you under a sleeping spell.” She looks at me worriedly “The reason why my friend is because if you happen to wake up during your dream, we won’t be able to stop her. If that happens.. well, I don’t want to think of it.”

I inhale and exhale deeply as I look at her, Princess Celestia, and the others as I nod “Let’s do it then! What do I have to do?”

Celestia trots up to me “Just relax Rarity and let Luna and myself do the work.” She rubs at my shoulder soothingly and smiles at me warmly and reassuringly.

I inhale and exhale deeply one last time “Well darlings, I’ll see you in my dreams.” I give a wink and close my eyes to start and relax.

“Okay Tia, let’s concentrate.” I hear Luna speak as soon I can feel a warm, comforting aura envelope me and I feel myself become tired. Soon, I drift off into my subconscious.

Don’t worry my baby boy, Mommy is going to beat this thing and we’ll finally live in peace.

Author's Note

Sorry if this chapter is shorter than the rest, but I promise to try and make it up with the next :raritywink: Next it will be time for the Mane Six, Rarity, and Luna to come face to face with the spirit of Nightmare Moon. :pinkiegasp: Also, I would like to apologize for the delay.

Chapter Twenty-Three

As I drift along the recesses of my subconscious, I can hear a faint whisper “Rarity? Rarity, can you hear me? It’s me Princess Luna, your friends and I are with you in your dreams.” I begin to stir as I slowly blink my eyes. As I try to regain my vision, there are sever blurs slowly approaching me, so I rub at my eyes with my hooves.

With my focus back, I can see my friends and the princess standing before me “Hello girls and Princess Luna.” I give a nod of my head as I look around us to see nothing but darkness and it sends a chill down my back. I look toward Princess Luna “Luna darling, where are we? It feels so dark and cold here.”

“I know my friend, I can sense something off about this dreamscape.” I can see a look of worry etched on her face when of a sudden we hear a nerve wrecking cackle.

“Hahaha…. Welcome to my realm you pathetic weaklings. Oh, don’t waste your time looking for me, because I’m all around you… Hahaha.”

The voice echoed all around us with it’s maniacal laughter “SILENCE!” I along with the others look at Princess Luna as her eyes glowed pure white “I command thee to show yourself!” She stomps her hoof against the ground.

“Aw.. but what’s the fun in just revealing myself to you my oh so naive princess of the night. You were right Luna, I am the spirit of Nightmare Moon, the only one truly understood you until those do gooders changed you back to your normal self. After reuniting with that overbearing sister of yours, I was forced to travel through Equestria in search of a new vessel that would give me the strength to be reborn.”

“And that’s why you chose me, so you can once again cause terror among Equestria.” I gasp at the thought of her using me as a tool to wreak havoc upon my home, family, and friends.

“That’s right my generous one, you’re going to be the one responsible for my return and once again I can rule this land...Mwahaha!”

“”Not if we have to do anything about it you jerk!” Rainbow Dash hovers in the air with a sneer “Show yourself you coward!”

“Hahaha… easy there my rainbow maned friend, in time you will get the chance to face true power. For now, I think you all should be tested to see if you are indeed worthy of facing my wrath. Minions!”

We look around as the void suddenly is filled with glowing green eyes and gasp as they slowly come out of the shadows to surround us. Once they are before us, we see that they are changelings and we look at each other confused. I look at Princess Luna “Princess, aren’t these brutes suppose to follow Queen Chrysalis?”

“Yes Rarity, but this is just as dreamscape which means that any beings can be summoned in them. We just got to fight them like they we were facing them in real life.” She give us a firm nod as we each turn to our adversaries.

As the changelings ready themselves to attack Twilight looks at us determined “Ready girls?” I along with the others give a firm nod and then face the group of drones. We stand steadfast as I look at them with focus. Soon they charge at us.

Ponyville (Connor’s P.O.V)

As I sleep calmly after my grandma tucked me in, I start to dream, but it’s so scary. It’s so dark in my dream and I feel so cold, like a cold wind is blowing against me. I try to look around for any light, but is all dark “Mommy!” I cry out “Mommy, are you here?!”

“Of course Mommy’s here sweetums. Here let me give you a little bit of light so you can see my darling little baby boy.”

I try to calm my fears as I hear Mommy speak out to me and I see a faint blue light shine in the distance. I smile happily “I’m coming Mommy, please keep your light on.” I start to walk slowly toward the light.

“Oh, of course my dear, we wouldn’t want you to take a nasty fall now would we… hehe. Tell you what Connor, I’ll come toward you so you don’t have to walk so much, how does that sound?”

“Okay Mommy.” I stop walking as I can see the light of her horn approaching me. I hear the sound of her hooves hitting against the ground as I wait for her. I breathe a sigh of relief “Oh Mommy, I was so scared. I thought you wasn’t here.” I see as she trots toward me and I run up to hug her at her foreleg.

This is going to be too easy hehe. The imposter Rarity wraps her free foreleg around the child as a mischievous creeps across her muzzle “Don’t worry precious, Mommy’s here now.” She releases the hug and looks down at the little boy, and without warning she encases him in her magical aura.

As I let go of my hug, I feel something cold around me and I see that it’s Mommy’s magic. I whimper and look up at her “Mommy, what are you doing?” I get scared when I hear her laugh, but it is a mean, cold laugh.

“Haha… foolish child, do you really think a majestic and all powerful pony like myself would ever care about such a lowly creature like you? No little one, I’m not your Mommy… yet, but I soon will be… Mwahaha!” Nightmare Moon uses her magic to send a small shock over Connor’s body, causing him to let out a cry of pain “You see dear, my name is Nightmare Moon and with the help of your Mommy, I will finally take back what rightfully belongs to me, the power of ruling Equestria, and allowing night to last forever!” She stands proudly as she causes another shock to the boy.

I start to cry, letting my tears roll down my cheeks as I look at her trembling in her magic “Leave my Mommy alone you monster!” I yell, but she shocks me again and I cry out in pain.

“Silence you little worm! How dare you speak to your future queen like that?! I will make sure to make you my obedient little pet when I take back my throne. For now though, I need you for a little bit of leverage if I’m going to use your Mommy as my new vessel. Come with me you poor, naive child!” With her magic, she uses black ropes of energy to subdue the boy by restraining his arms and legs “Now let’s go see how your dear ol’ Mom and her friends are faring against my loyal minions.” She lets out a cackle as she levitates the boy onto her back “Oh and don’t worry about waking up little one, with you nice and subdued, you are trapped within your dreams…. Haha!”

Slowly Nightmare Moon fades into the shadows of Connor’s subconscious with him helplessly bounded on her back.

Author's Note

I want to apologize for taking so long with this update, but we are getting close to the confrontation of Nightmare Moon and Mommy Rarity :duck: :pinkiegasp: :twilightoops:

Chapter Twenty-Four

As we stand there, prepared to fight against these changeling drones, they start to circle around us like a predator after it’s prey. I look toward Princess Luna “Your highness, why are they just circling us and not attacking us?” I turn back toward the drones, readying myself to fight.

“Just keep calm my friends. They’re just visions of this dreamscape and not real.” She gives us a nod of reassurance “Close your eyes girls, keep calm, and concentrate your thoughts at the drones.” Before we oblige, we see a slow, sly grin creep across her muzzle “Think about what you would like to do to these foul creatures and it shall become reality.”

I close eyes as asked to and I focus deepl. My horn starts to pulsate as it lights up with it’s magic, and a grin creeps across my muzzle “Alright you brutes, let’s see how you look in something more fitting for your species.” I can’t help but let out a small laugh as I feel a beam of magic escape from my horn and I open my eyes.

The drones before me look down in fright and shock as they are fully dressed in bright pink, white, poofy gowns. I can hear a collected laugh escape from my friends as I grin at the changelings “Like I said darlings, these outfits are perfect for cowards like you.” A smirk of pride forms on my muzzle and I laugh as they scream like little fillies, and run off into the darkness.

“Perfect Rarity, that is how you use your mind against dreams like this. I believe you was unable to this with Nightmare Moon at the beginning, because you were fresh prey to her. She knew you lacked the knowledge to deal with her like myself.” The princess gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder “But now you have the ability to face her one on one, and you have all of us by your side to support you.’

I look at her and the others who give me a firm nod “Thank you princess and you all for always being my friends. I understand though that I have to do this on my own, that I have to deal with this foul beast of a mare alone. I need to stop these horrific dreams before they become reality and my precious baby boy becomes a victim of the witch!” My brows arch in anger yet also determination.

“Well, well, well, it seems that you my dear have overcome my loyal pets of my realm Rarity. It appears that you are a challenge after all for me, along with your fellow Elements of Harmony.”

My ears twitch with annoyance as that voice echoes around us, but this time the atmosphere starts to warp and rippl around us. A look of confusing etches across each of our faces, wondering where this hag is taking now in this dream. Soon the environment would form into a room very unfamiliar to me.

It appeared to be a room that could be in a palace with a long, red silken carpet which led from the palace doors to the throne. The throne itself is designed of pure white gold with a red satin cushion, and scattered all along the floor is golden bits galore. However, although it’s filled with rich beauty, it’s void of any peace and harmony.

“Welcome to my parlor, or may I say my humble abode to be more appropriate.” From out behind the throne trots Nightmare Moon herself “And hello there my old friend Princess Luna, how have you been? I’m sure you are miserable without me guiding you to become the one true power of Equestria that I once thought you deserved to be.” She scoffs at the sight of the princess.

“SILENCE!” Luna stomps her hoof against the tiled floor “I have been doing perfectly fine without you controlling my mind and heart. But this isn’t about me, it’s about my friend, the Element of Generosity Rarity. Why have you decided to target her as your new vessel?” A sneer creeps across Luna’s muzzle.

Nightmare Moon simply sits in her throne “That my dear princess is very simple, Rarity here is blind to the true goddess she could be, and I’m just trying to make her see the light, the light of fame and fortune. With her ability to create extravagant dresses and suits for the ponies of upper society, she could be the most widely known fashionista in Equestria. Alas she wants to be nothing but a petty mare of maternal instincts to a lowly creature such as a human… GAH!” A blast of magic strikes her in the chest plate of her armor and causes her to stagger back a bit.

“HOW DARE YOU!” A feeling of pure anger courses through my veins at hearing such despicable remarks made about my baby boy “How dare you speak of a precious child as my son you wicked, pitiful excuse for a lady! Yes being a widely known fashionista has been my dream since I was a filly when I discovered my cutie mark, but now I have realized being a mother to a sweet baby boy as Connor is my true calling. Yes I can still be the fashionista I was destined to be, but being a mother is just as special.” Although my blood boils with anger, I can feel a warm smile of pride talking about my little darling son.

Nightmare Moon smirks evilly as she stroked her hoof against the chest plate of her armor “That is what I like to see my dear one, your anger released. You do have the ability to become not only a famous fashionista, but an all powerful goddess who can rule this land.” A chuckle escapes her lips “However, I guess I won’t be able to persuade you so easily, would I?”

I scoff at her question “You better believe you witch! I’m going to end these nightmares once and for all, and make sure that you leave me, my son, my family, and my friends alone once and for all!” I focus my magic and aim my horn at her.

Waving a hoof in front of her, Nightmare Moon chuckles “Nuh..uh… I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Not if you want your precious little son.” A confused look etches on Rarity’s face “What, did you all actually think I would be here all on my lonesome?” She lets out a cackle as she looks up above and brings down a dome-shaped cage with her magic.

As I watch the cage being lowered, I immediately gasp at the sight I see. Inside, on his his knees, bound with a dark blue looking rope, and gagged with some cloth is my darling baby boy. I place my hoof against my mouth and feel tears well up in my eyes “Connor!” I cry out and trot up to the cage. My heart breaks as I see him with tears of his own rolling down his cheeks, and I can see fear in his eyes.

I reach my hoof out to touch at the cage, but I let out a small scream as it shocks me. Soon a barrier of electricity surround the cage and I can see Connor trembling like a leaf. I sniffle, but my lips curl in a snarl as I look at Nightmare Moon “What have you done to him you monster?!” My blood starts to boil again, but I look toward my baby “Don’t worry sweetheart, Mommy will get you out.”

Nightmare Moon slowly raises the cage back up “All I’m trying to do my dear naive mare is show you his true place in the presence of goddess such as you and I, on his knees before our hooves.” She chuckles and glares at Princess Luna and the other Elements of Harmony “Now, for this to be between just Rarity and I, I believe the rest of you should leave.” She closes her eyes and concentrates deeply as her horn lights up. A slow mischievous grin creeps across her muzzle as she opens her eyes again and in a flash the princess and others vanish.

I gasp as I see my friends disappear in a flash and then look back at her ‘What did you do to them?” I let out a lowly growl as I scruff my hoof against the floor.

She simply chuckles “Do not fret my loyal pet, they’re just outside this throne room. We don’t want them to interfere with our little conversation, do we?” Meticulously, she trots toward Rarity and starts to circle around her “Now Miss Belle, I have a proposition for you, and I believe it will be too good to turn down.” She lifts a hoof to stroke at Rarity’s chin.

I forcefully turn my head away from her hoof and look at her with anger “I will never accept any off you give me! Now let my son go you hag!” I turn around and as hard as I can, I lift my hind legs up, and buck the witch in the jaw. I grin proudly as I make her stagger back a bit “Don’t underestimate me darling, I may seem dainty, being a lady and all, but I’m never afraid to give a good thrashing to those who deserve it.”

Nightmare Moon shakes her head of the strike and rubs at her chin with a hoof. She grins slyly, yet a look of frustration forms in her eyes “Well, I can tell I made the perfect choice in the vessel I will take over. You put up a decent fight Miss Belle, but that won’t matter. Now let me show you true power!” She cackled as she lit her horn up, shooting a beam at Rarity.

Quickly I dodge the beam of magic and shoot one right back at her, striking her in her wings. I hear a yelp escape her lips, indicating that I was able to stun her “Quite a showing of power indeed dear, but let a lady warn you, next time try not to miss.” I chuckle as I gallop up to her and strike her in the side of her head with my forehoof.

“Gah! Stop that you insolent mare!” Nightmare Moon charges at Rarity and rams her with her shoulder, knocking the white unicorn back a few feet, but she remained standing. Without warning, Nightmare Moon released another beam of magic, this time connect with Rarity.

“AH!” With the force of her magic, I am slung back against the room’s wall and I collapse to the ground. A pained grunt escapes my lips as I slowly stand up “You may be strong, but I have something you will never have you miscreant!” My chest heaves as I breathe heavily.

Nightmare Moon smirks and crouches forward ready to attack “And what is that my little pony?” She chuckles confidently.

“I have heart you wicked mare!” I look up ahead at one of the many crystal chandeliers hanging up above and I shoot a beam of magic at it. I aim it just perfectly at the hook as the chandelier falls toward the floor.

“AAH!” Nightmare Moon barely leaps out of the way, but skids along the floor on her side. She gasps at the fight Rarity is showing and grunts in frustration “Why you miserable little filly!” She shoots another magical beam at Rarity, but the unicorn dodges. Nightmare Moon stands up fully and flaps her wings to hover in the air “You may have heart Miss Belle, but I have the advantage of air!” She sneers at Rarity as she flaps her wings and flies down toward her.

“Come and get me!” I yell as I stand steadfast readying myself for her incoming attack. I charge toward her and leap up in the air “MMph!” However, I’m not quick enough to land the first strike as she takes me me in my midsection and we both hit the ground with great force. We roll along for a bit until we’ll both laid out a few feet from each other “No matter if you are able to beat me Nightmare Moon, you will never corrupt my son, and you will never rule Equestria!” Slowly, I struggle to get up and pant heavily.

After colliding with Rarity from her midair collision and rolling along the floor, Nightmare Moon is slow to get up. She breathes in and out heavily just like Rarity “We’ll see about that you pathetic excuse for an Element of Harmony!” She lets out a low growl as she focuses her energy to power up her horn.

“Yes darling, I’m an Element of Harmony, one of the same Elements of Harmony that ended your reign of terror before! And I promise you, I will end it again before it even gets started!” I stand strong as I focus all of my strength into my horn. I take a glance up at the cage that my poor baby boy is being held This is for you Connor, Mommy’s going to end this once and for all! I take one last look at Nightmare Moon and smirk “Rot in Tartarus you witch!” I shoot my deeply concentrated beam of magic at her, but unfortunately she does as well.

“Not before you, you insolent little worm!” Nightmare Moon screams out as both hers and Rarity’s magic collides.

Back and forth, we fight creating a huge sphere of energy and power with our magic. I stagger back a bit, but I don’t resist as I push her back some as well. Suddenly a huge explosion occurs, blinding me, and I clinch my eyes shut tight. I can hear her scream out as well as me as I collapse to the ground.

And then everything goes black.

Author's Note

:pinkiegasp: Well, Rarity wasn't as easy as a target as Nightmare Moon expected.

Chapter Twenty-Five

A painful groan escapes my lips as I start to slowly, yet weakly awaken from the powerful blast created from mine and that foul creature’s magic colliding. I reach up to rub between my eyes with my hoof and as I open my eyes, I’m engulfed in a cloud of thick, black smoke. Unable to stop myself from inhaling the harmful fumes I begin to cough roughly, but I force myself to stand up.

Trotting through, I can see debris scattered all over the tile floor Goodness, that collision must have been a lot more stronger than I thought. It’s a total wreck in here. I keep my head lowered so I can prevent anymore smoke from damaging my eyes. Suddenly I bump into something and I lift my head to see what it is, but what I see causes fear to run through me.

It’s the cage from above that held my baby boy hostage “Connor!” I cry out as I see the cage broken into wooden rubble and I look all around to see if I see him. Quickly, I push the broken pieces of wood out of the way to try and find him. When I do, I gasp in horror as I see my son curled up in a fetal position, coughing violently “Oh Connor baby.” I sit down on my haunches and scoop him up in my forelegs.

He has his little hand up to his mouth to sustain his coughing as he looks up at me with tears in his eyes “Mommy!” He cries out, but coughs even more.

“Shh… it’s okay dear, Mommy’s here!” I lean down to kiss his forehead and rub at his back soothingly “Hold on Connor, I’m going to make you feel better.” Very carefully, I use my magic to levitate him to a safer place away from all the rubble and smoke. As I do I turn to see that Nightmare Moon was still out cold, or at least I hope so.

Suddenly I find a red satin cushion that was on the throne of Nightmare Moon and levitate Connor over to it, and gently lay him on it. My heart breaks as I see him violently cough, but I gently place my hoof on his back “Just try to stay still for me my baby boy, mommy’s going to use her magic to heal you.” He looks up at me with a soft smile as best as he can muster as I close my eyes to concentrate.

I open my eyes to look down at him sleeping peacefully and his cough finally subdued. Leaning my head down, I give him a tender kiss on his forehead “That’s it my darling boy, just sleep and I promise this nightmare will be over soon.” Since he is sharing this dream with me in his own mind, I use my magic to make him leave this nasty place and go to a safer place in his mind.

After making sure that he is safely gone, I turn to see the chamber doors opening and my friends come galloping in “Rarity!” They give me all smiles of relief as they come together in a group hug. I return their smiles and see Princess Luna trot toward us.

“You did well my friend, and it looks like Nightmare Moon’s reign of terror, for the time being has come to an end.” A warm smile creeps across her muzzle.

“I certainly do hope so princess… I mean Luna, because I just want these nightmares to stop, and I want Connor and I to live happily from now on.” I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Not…. so…. fast… you …. pathetic…. little…. worms!”

We turn to see the horrid mare get back to her hooves, but I can see her barrel heave in and out with heavy breaths. I look at the others “Girls, you all can leave if you would like to. I have this.” A proud smirk creeps across my muzzle as I slowly trot toward Nightmare Moon “Seriously darling, do you still want more?” I can see her limp toward me.

“How dare you talk to me like that! You should be scared out of her fur at what I’m fixing to do. I’m Nightmare Moon… AAH!”

Hearing enough of her rambling, I use my the ability of controlling my dream and simply blow a gust of breath at her and send her crashing into the wall. I giggle “Oh, hehe… I didn’t know my breath could be that strong...haha.. are you okay there Nighty?” I giggle some more as I use my magic to levitate her “Hmm… let’s see here, that all dark, black coat is intimidating, but certainly ghastly. I think a brighter color would look better on you, hold on.” I curve my lips in a thinking manner ‘Aha! This should be more our style.”

“Hey you nuisance of a pony, stop playing around! I’m getting tired of your….AHH! What in the Tartarus did you do me?! My precious and beautiful dark coat is ruined now!”

“Oh, what’s the matter Moony? I’m just trying to make you less frightful and a lot more cheery!” I smile with a blush as I turned her once dark, black coat into an all bright yellow with pink polka dots. The true colors of a coward who enjoys stalking their prey within their dreams “Don’t worry darling, I’m almost finished. Now let’s see, there is one thing you’ve caused me to hurt my son, but I got to admit it was very interesting.” I smirk as I light my horn up.

“I demand you change my coat back to normal you worthless…. whoa...whoa… what are you doing?!”

Letting out chuckle, I begin to shrink her down to a bite-sized morsel while keeping her in the air with my magic. A devilish grin crosses my muzzle “Mm.. now don’t you look like a tasty little dark chocolate drop.” I open my mouth and I allow her the chance to get a good view at the inside of what a true mare’s beautiful and luscious mouth looks like “Say bye bye my little honey drop.” I giggle as I levitate her toward my mouth and drop her onto my tongue.

“No, wait… can’t we talk about…..Ahhh mmmm!”

I clamp down my jaws around her, muffling her screams of protest. To make her pay for all she’s done to my son and I, I decide to swish her around in my mouth like a breath mint “Mmm..” Her taste is exceptional indeed I got to admit, she tastes heavenly for such a despicable, heartless pony. I continue to swish her around a little bit more before throwing my head back, and with one big gulp, I send her down my lovely throat.

Reaching up a hoof, I massaged tenderly at the bulge she makes within my throat and I can feel her travel down until she lands into my tummy. I let out a sigh of satisfaction and rub at my tummy “Mm.. for a classless, tasteless so called queen of nightmares, you sure were divine Nighty!” I giggle light-heartedly as I turn to trot out of the throne room.

Now I got to find my way out of this horrid place and wake up so I can go see my son.

Author's Note

It looks like that Nightmare Moon got a "taste" of her own medicine :rainbowlaugh:

Chapter Twenty-Six: Final

“...ty?”

As I enter back into my slumbering state, I can faintly hear my name being called.

“... rity?”

Now another voice joins in with the first one as I clench my eyes tight and start to stir. My eyelids slowly start to ascend, blurred light entering my vision.

“Rarity? Are ya alright sugarcube?”

I can distinctly distinguish that voice in belonging to Applejack as I blink my eyes to focus. Soon the blurred shapes and colors form into the recognizable figures of my friends “Oh darlings, how have I been out?” I slowly start to get up and rub between my eyes.

“Well, you were our for a pretty long while, even after we all woke up.” Twilight places her hoof on my shoulder “How are you feeling?” I can see the concern in her eyes along with the others.

“I feel exhausted dear, but otherwise I’m doing quite fine.” I turn my attention toward Princess Luna “Your highness, do you think we defeated that witch of a mare once and for all?”

She trots close to me and gives me a warm, reassuing smile as she places a wing over my back. She clears her throat “My dear friend, please call me Luna. Yet, I feel that Nightmare Moon won’t ever disrupt your dreams anymore.” She caresses my back tenderly with her wing before lifting it up.

I breathe a sigh of relief “Well that is very delightful news indeed.” I smile happily at my friends “Now darlings, why don’t you all say we go back to Ponyville so I can see my son.” They all nod in agreement as I look back at the princess “Would you like to come with us Luna dear?”

“That is a very generous offer indeed of your my friend, but I’m just going to stay for the rest of the day. Thank you very kindly though.” She gives a bow of her head to us “Now you go and reunite with your son my friend.” We bow our heads we turn to trot out of the throne room

Before I leave I look at the girls “Dears, just give me a second, I’ll join you later. Go ahead and I’ll meet you all at the train station.” They nod and leave as I turn to face Princess Luna. I clear my throat “Luna, I would like to thank you dearly for helping me through this whole horrific ordeal with that beast of a pony.” I give a bow of my head.

She places her hoof gently on my shoulder “You not need to thank me my friend, it was your battle you had to contest on your own. I was only here for support and guidance.” She gives me a warm smile “I believe that you will be successful in anything that comes ahead of you Rarity. All you just got to is believe in yourself and never give into temptation.”

I nod “I understand Luna.” I bow my “May you have a lovely day darling and thank you again.” I turn to trot as I wave a hoof to the princess. I make my to the Canterlot Train Station to board the Friendship Express with my friends.

While the Friendship Express travels along the track toward Ponyville, I look out the window to take in the beautiful scenery passing by. A warm smile creeps across my face Oh, I can’t wait to scoop my darling little boy up into my forelegs and give him the biggest hugs I can ever give him. A soft sigh escapes my lips.

“So Rares, how did you get rid of that rusty old hag anyway?” Rainbow plops herself down beside me and wraps a foreleg around my shoulders “Did you send her flying through the castle window with your magic?”

“No, no, no Dashie, I bet Rarity created a super, duper, sparkly gem cannon that she used to shoot that ugly, mean meanie pants out of!” I gasp as Pinkie Pie out of nowhere appears in front of my face and starts hopping on her flank.

“PINKIE! I certainly wish you would stop popping out of nowhere like that darling. You could cause a lady like me to have a heart attack.” I place a hoof against my chest and pant heavily.

“Oopsy! I’m sorry Rarity!” She gives me a pouty face and I can’t stay mad at her I know. She then beams hopefully “Here, have a honey bun!” Suddenly, without explanation, she randomly pulls out a big honey bun.

I giggle “Thank you Pinkie darling, but I’ve had enough sweets for one day.” I give a blushing smile.

“Seriously though Rares, how was you able to defeat that jerk of a so called princess?” Rainbow arched her eyebrow and it seems like she’s not going to quit asking me until I tell her the truth.

“Yea sugarcube, Ah’m glad that that rotten mare is gone for good, but how did ya finally finish her off? Did ya give her a good ol’ fashion bucking that knocked her into yesteryear?” Applejack chuckled as her, Twilight, and Fluttershy soon gathered around.

“Um… I think she is a nasty pony… um… but I hope you didn’t hurt her too bad Rarity.” Fluttershy’s cheeks blushes a light pink as she hides behind her mane. Fluttershy, always he kind one, even toward a cold-hearted trollop like Nightmare Moon.

I can’t help but chuckle at all of their guesses “Well girls, let’s just say I gave Nightmare Moon her just desserts.” I rub at my belly and let out a warm, contented sigh.

Soon I hear them all gasp and look up to see their jaws nearly touching the floor. I giggle “What? I just gave her a taste of her own.” I giggle at the other pun I can’t help but bring up.

I can see they are all speechless until Twilight speaks up “Well Rarity, I admit, that is kind of weird, and a bit shocking, but whatever it takes to get rid of Nightmare Moon once and for all, I’ll take it.” She blushes and giggles as the other slowly start to nod in agreement to her.

After several more minutes of traveling along the train track toward Ponyville, the Friendship Express comes to a slow, steady stop at the station. We unboard the train and I turn toward my friends “Well darlings, it’s been quite the thrill indeed to spend time with you again. Now though, it’s time for me to go see my baby boy!” I beam with glee as I wave a hoof to my friends and trot toward mother and father’s home.

When I arrive at their house I knock on the door. I wait a minute before mother opens the door and I see her gasp “RAR…”

I place a hoof against her lips “Shh… mother, I’m glad to see you again too, but I don’t want Connor to know I’m back.” I gently take my hoof off and hug her around the neck “How have you all been while I was gone?”

She takes a moment to catch her breath as she calms down. She clears her throat “Oh Rarity dear, we’ve been so worried about you, but we’ve been doing okay. Your father left to go to the market to get a few things, Sweetie Belle of course is in school, and the little one is upstairs asleep.” She nuzzles my cheek “How are you honey?”

I nuzzle her cheek in return “I’m doing better now mother, I love you.” We break the hug and I look up toward the top of the stairs “I’m going to go see my darling precious son now.” She nods and steps to the side to let me go upstairs.

As I reach the top, I very quietly approach the door to the guest room. I slowly open it to see Connor sleeping peacefully, tucked in underneath the covers. Carefully, I trot inside and up to the bed as I feel a smile of warmth and love creep across my muzzle.

I lean my head to kiss his cheek tenderly and whisper into his ear “Connor darling, it’s time to wake up.” My smile soon turns into a beaming grin.

His little eyes blink open and I see him reach his small hands up to rub at them. Blinking them once more, he opens them completely and his jaw nearly detaches from his face. He then smiles brightly “MOMMY!” He cries out and leaps out of the bed, wrapping his arms around my neck.

The force of him leaping into me causes me to fall backwards, but I don’t care, I wrap my forelegs around him and stroke up and down his back soothingly. I feel him lay his head against the wamrth of my chestfur “Mommy, I missed you so much!”

I kiss the top of his head and continue to stroke along his back “Mommy missed you too dear!” I feel him shake softly with sobs, but I know those are cries of joy “Shh… it’s okay Connor, Mommy’s here now, and I promise I’ll never leave you again!” I hug him warmly against my chest and belly in my forelegs.

“I love you Mommy!” He cries joyfully as he lays his head against my chest, relaxing to the sound of my gentle heartbeat.

I smile warmly at him “Mommy loves you too my darling baby boy!” I kiss his head once more and we just stay in that embrace for a while longer.

Now since I finally gotten rid of that barbaric nuisance, maybe now I can focus on being a real mother to Connor. Maybe I should consider on enrolling him in school. A smile of wonder creeps across my muzzle at the thought For now though, we just need this time together to enjoy without any disturbances.

Life truly couldn’t get any better since I have my baby in it!

Author's Note

Well, the end has come and Nightmare Moon has finally been defeated :twilightsmile: But is it the end of Heart of Diamonds, the fic? :derp: Let me just say, we'll see :pinkegasp: Also, I want to apologize for being late in publishing this. I've just been busy going to orientation for my new job and I start work and training tomorrow.