Discovery. Identification. Responsibility
Alone in her inspiration room, concentration present in her face and posture, Rarity worked. She was set an incredibly important task, well, more of a self-assignment really. She had seven orders to complete for this year's Grand Galloping Gala. Once again, she had the pleasure of being invited, along with her five very best pony friends, and her one best dragon friend.
“Why can't we just wear the same ones we wore the last time we went?” They asked. Well, Rarity simply couldn't allow that. It was a complete conflict on both her generous nature and her prissy conduct. Never would she be seen in the same dress twice in her life, and neither would she let her friends. Even Spike would be getting a new tuxedo tailored, and colts, stallions and drakes only need new outfits when their old ones no longer fit. He had tried to convince Rarity of this, but she had insisted over and over until Spike gave up.
The piece she was working on required intense concentration. No average pony could muster the skill required to stitch without a machine. Not even some of the top unicorn designers could stitch by horn. Rarity, however, was avid at horn stitching. There would be occasions where she found it difficult, even occasions where she had to remove stitches and re do them. It was a small price to pay for being a perfectionist.
All of a sudden, right in the zone of her immense concentration, the door knocked loudly, and her little sister, Sweetie Belle, came barging in without waiting for Rarity's invite.
“Sweetie Belle! Have you not heard of knocking?” The elder sibling scolded.
“I did knock,” the younger sister retaliated.
“But you're supposed to wait for me to allow your access, not just come breaking in after you knock,” the elder sibling softened her tone slightly. “Now, what is it you need?”
“Well, Applebloom and I found something in the Everfree Forrest and we...”
Rarity's eyes widened in horror. “You and Applebloom went into the Everfree Forrest? On your own? Sweetie Belle, there's a reason that forrest is feared. There had better be a good reason behind this, otherwise I shall have no choice but to ground you, and tell Applejack so she can deal with Applebloom.”
“There's something more important to it, Rarity. We found something. It was a living thing, and I'm sure it's not a bad thing.”
Rarity briefly pushed the scolding to the back of her mind. “Darling, I believe Fluttershy would be the best pony to ask about these kinds of things.”
“Actually, I don't think Fluttershy would be able to help. I've never seen one around Fluttershy's cottage before,” replied Sweetie Belle.
Rarity thought briefly, “Twilight? I'm sure there will be a book in the castle library somewhere.”
“I didn't think of that,” Sweetie Belle admitted .
Rarity scanned over the work she had done. “Well,” replied Rarity. “I think I've done enough to earn a break. Why don't we take this creature to Fluttershy?”
“I just said, I don't think Fluttershy can help.”
“Fluttershy deals with all sorts of creatures, it's certainly worth a try considering she lives near the forrest.”
“We brought it out. It's just outside.”
“Just how do you know that you haven't put the entire town in danger?”
“It's just so small,“ replied Sweetie Belle. “It's a young version of whatever it is for sure.”
Rarity glared at her younger sister for a few seconds. “I shall take your word for it. Let us see what Fluttershy can tell us, and perhaps on the way, you can explain what brought about this forrest endeavour.”
Rarity and Sweetie Belle left the boutique where Applebloom and Scootaloo were waiting, a small basket present between the two. Rarity peered inside the basket to see the creature that her sister and her friends had found. Rarity immediately realised the truth behind her sister's words. This creature was tiny, and it was obvious that it posed no threat at all, and in fact, appeared to be fast asleep. The majority of the figure was covered by blankets, but a small head was present.
“Oh my,” said Rarity. “This is just the most adorable thing I've ever seen. We must not delay. Let us find out what this thing is. Now perhaps, the story?”
“Well...”
***
Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom sat inside the Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse. Many unsuccessful crusades had been performed and the trio of mischievous fillies had decided to throw in the towel for crusading for the day, and instead, opted to play a game of truth or dare.
Naturally, being young and innocent led to most of the dares being easy for the average pony to complete, and the truth questions weren't very hard to admit to or dismiss as the case may be. Scootaloo, however, was about to make a dare that was a little more challenging.
The young pegasus looked intensely between the two of her friends, wondering who to give the dare to. Undecided, she opted to single one of the two out with some “eenie meenie.” As she inwardly recited the words, motioning her forehoof between the pair, she eventually landed on Sweetie Bell.
“Sweetie Belle,” Scootallo declared. “I dare you to go in the Everfree Forrest
Fear instantly lit her expression, as her earth pony friend, Applebloom face show an expression of concern. “Ya can't make 'er do that on her own,” Applebloom argued.
“Fine!” Scootaloo snapped. “Then I dare you to go in with her.”
At this point, fear made it's self known in Applebloom's face. “How far?” Sweetie Belle asked, voice laced with the same fear shown on her face.
“As far as you dare,” replied Scootaloo.
Both Applebloom and Sweetie Belle considered whether to accept the dare or not. “Fine,” Applebloom replied, somehow instantly switching her initial fear to confidence. “Ah'll do it. Who knows? Maybe we'll get out forrest exploration cutie marks.”
“Then I guess I'm doing it to,” replied Sweetie Belle, still feeling nervous. The three left the clubhouse to go and fulfil the dare.
***
By the time Sweetie Belle had finished her story, the four were near Fluttershy's cottage. “So, are you mad at me?” Sweetie Belle asked nervously.
Rarity considered the question carefully. “I suppose I should be. I'm more concerned than I am angry, but I must say something did come out of this.”
“Really?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Well yes,” her older sister replied. “Just look at this adorable thing. I'm certain that if you hadn't have found it, it's life could have been in serious peril. It just looks...so defenceless.”
“So, I'm not grounded?” Asked Sweetie Belle.
“And you ain't gonna tell mah sister?” Applebloom added.
“And I'm not grounded from Sweetie Belle forever?” Scootaloo finished.
“I will let this one slide this one time,” replied Rarity. “But you must take more responsibility for yourselves. If you must go into the Forrest, at least get and adult to escort you. Preferably myself, or Applejack, or maybe Rainbow Dash.” The three nodded in confirmation. “Well, here we are.”
Rarity knocked on the front door of Fluttershy's cottage. A minutes or two passed by before Fluttershy slowly cracked open the door just enough to peer through. Once she identified her visitor as Rarity, she opened the door fully. “Oh, hey, Rarity. Do come in.” With that, Rarity entered, and Fluttershy noticed the three young fillies. “You three, too.” With that, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo entered. “What can I do for you, Rarity. Is it the dress? Do you need me to watch the fillies?”
“No, Fluttershy, nothing quite like that. I was actually hoping you may be able to identify a species for me,” replied Rarity.
It is at this point Fluttershy noticed the basket for the first time. Rarity lifted the basket by the handles and set it on the table allowing Fluttershy to take a look. Fluttershy let out a delighted squee. “Oh, my. That is so cute.” Slowly, she removed the blanket with care, so as not to wake it and to get a better look at the creature as a whole. “Hmmm.”
“What is it, dear?” Rarity inquired.
“I don't know. It looks like nothing I've ever seen before. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help,” Fluttershy replied.
“Are you certain it doesn't look like anything you've ever seen before?” Confusion spread across Rarity's face. She was almost sure Sweetie Belle had been wrong about Fluttershy. She thought identifying this creature would be right up Fluttershy's street.
“I'm afraid I haven't. Maybe you could ask Twilight,” Fluttershy suggested.
“Indeed, I'm sure she will be able to tell us something. That was our back up solution,” Rarity said. She lifted the basket up with her teeth and placed it on her back. Fluttershy looked at her, confusion apparent in her gaze. Rarity immediately knew why this was. “I don't know if I should use magic on it, so I'm not going to risk it.”
“Well, I could tag along with you to see Twilight if you want,” Fluttershy stated.
“That would be nice. After all, If Twilight can't help, she will most likely suggest asking you. Let's go.”
***
The walk to Ponyville Castle had been much the same as the walk to Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy had asked the trio of fillies how the discovery of the creature had came about, and they had explained it as Sweetie Belle had to Rarity.
Two guards stood outside the front of the castle, each of them looking exactly the same. They were large stallions, both pegasi. Each had a white coat, blue manes, tails and eyes. They were pretty much the same as Celestia's royal guard. The only differentiating factor was the armour they wore. Whilst Celestia's guards wore golden armour, these guards wore lavender armour as fitting to the princess they guarded. “Ahh Miss. Rarity, Miss Fluttershy, welcome,” the one on the left spoke.
The guard on the right observed the three fillies behind Rarity and Fluttershy. “Now as you are aware, as part of the Federation of Friendship, Any member of the Council of Friendship have unprecedented and unrestricted access to the castle, but I'm afraid, as guards, we must ask the business of the visitors you bring.”
“That's quite alright,” replied Rarity. “I understand you are doing your job. You see, my sister and her friends happened across a small creature. Not to go into all the details, we are here to ask Twilight if she may know anything about it.”
“You're in luck,” the guard on the right replied. “I believe Princess Twilight can be found in the castle library.” The two stallions moved slightly to allow the five ponies to pass.
“Thank you sirs,” Rarity replied before entering, followed by Fluttershy, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. The five ponies walked across the corridor into the library, which Twilight strategically made a room close to the entrance into. She had insisted that the castle library be accessible to the public as long as they were escorted to the library by guards. She didn't want such a seat of learning to be accessible to only a few.
On entering, Rarity was able to quickly identify Twilight, and made her way to her. Twilight was currently speaking with a mint green unicorn that Rarity recognised, but forgot the name of. She knew she was a lyre player though. Apart from Rarity and her group, Twilight, and the other unicorn, the library was empty. On seeing two of her best friends, Twilight's face lit up.
“Good afternoon, Twilight, good afternoon...” Rarity briefly thought about the other unicorns name “...Lyra,” Rarity said, clearly unsure of herself, almost in a fashion that she was asking a question rather than speaking.
Lyra, however, didn't notice the uncertainty in Rarity's tone. “Hey, Rarity, hey Fluttershy, hey fillies.”
“What brings you girls here?” Asked Twilight.
“Oh it can wait a minute,” Rarity replied. “Wouldn't want to steal you away.”
“That's okay,” Lyra said.
Rarity thought for a second. “Well, if you insist. I apologise for the intrusion though, Lyra.” Lyra simply nodded. “You see, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom found a creature in the Everfree Forrest that even Fluttershy here isn't able to identify. We were hoping that maybe you would know something, or perhaps one of your books may hold the answer.”
“Well, I suppose I can try,” replied Twilight. “But I can't guarantee.”
Rarity removed the basket off her back, and placed it in front of Twilight. Twilight didn't even need to speak.
“Could it really be?” Lyra asked, just quiet enough to be asking herself, but just loud enough for Rarity to here.
“Do you know what it is, Lyra?” Rarity asked.
“Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, I believe this is a human,” replied Lyra.
“A what?” Rarity, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo asked all at once.
“A human. Homo sapien by scientific species name. Descendant of homo erectus.”
“How do you know all this?” Twilight asked. “I mean, I've seen them myself in another dimension, but I thought aside from myself, Spike, and one other, no one had been through the gate.”
“A life of studying them as a pastime. Not many ponies believe they exist, but I did, and now I'm seeing one for real.
“How are they looked after? And fed?” Fluttershy asked.
“They are much like ponies. They grow up needing their parents, then they learn. They learn how to walk, how to talk, how to feed their selves. They learn things at educational facilities just as we do, then as they grow up, they become independent, they make friends, get jobs to make money, eat, drink, sleep. In many ways, they're just like us.”
Rarity looked down at the small form in front of her and couldn't help but feel pity. She knew it wasn't meant to be here in Equestria. Through no fault of it's own, it had been placed somewhere it just wasn't meant to be. “How old would you say this 'human' is?
“I'm not an expert on the ageing process of humans, but I'd say he's no older than two months,” Lyra replied.
Rarity was able to do little else than stare at the child, deep in concentration. Lyra's words constantly repeated in her mind. “They grow up needing their parents.” With each passing second, her sympathy for the human grew.
“So it's a colt?” Asked Twilight. “How are you able to tell?”
“With humans, the young male is a boy, and a boy grows to be a man, not a colt and a stallion,” Lyra corrected. “However, much like stallions, I've heard boys have distinct facial features that set them apart from girls. Many of them are more prominent when they grow into men, but there are enough in sight to tell.”
“I'll do it” Rarity shouted suddenly, attracting the attention of everypony else.
Twilight was about to ask Lyra about the features that distinguished the genders in humans, but got distracted by her friends outburst. “Do what, Rarity?”
“Lyra, as you stated, what he needs is his parents right?” Lyra simply nodded, prompting Rarity to continue. “And, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe his parents won't be in Equestria.” Once again, Lyra nodded. “So, if he needs somepony to look after him, and his parents can't be found, then he's going to need a step-in until we are able to return him to his biological parents, or they come to retrieve him, correct?” Once again, Lyra nodded. “Then I'll do it!”
“Rarity, that's a big responsibility,” Twilight added. “I'm not saying you can't do it, but, well...” Twilight thought briefly. “What you're essentially doing is becoming a mother.”
“I am aware of this, Twilight. I believe I am capable,” replied Rarity.
“But you hardly understand humans,” replied Twilight. “Look, I'm not saying you can't do it, but I just think maybe you should consider it before jumping straight in. I mean, Lyra seems to know her stuff about humans, and Fluttershy has experience with all sorts of creatures. I'm sure if you decide you aren't ready, there will be somepony to look after him.”
Rarity was sure this should have upset her, but it didn't. Twilight was looking out for both her and the child.
“I know my stuff about them,” said Lyra, “but I have no experience looking after the young, I've never really foalsat before. I'm not sure I could do it, I'm sorry.”
“I've never looked after a human before, and they seem nothing like any of the woodland critters, and I know I'm far too kind to be a mother right now,” replied Fluttershy.
“So, Rarity, are you sure this is what you want?”
Rarity considered for a while. “Well, I have foalsat before so I'm able to look after the young, and if humans are a lot like ponies, it can't be too much different. My occupation means I'm flexible and able to adapt to different needs.” Rarity fell silent for a second, and looked down towards the sleeping form, feeling the same sympathy again. Her heart melted. He needed somepony to look after him, and she would be damned if it wasn't her. It was like she was instantly connected to him, not by feeling it as her responsibility to look after him, but her desire to look after him, to give him a chance...To be a mother. She was unable to explain why, but she wanted this. “I'm sure.”
“Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, as you two found the child, I believe it's only fair you get a say. Think of his best interests. Would you deem Rarity as his step-in parent?”
Applebloom gave no thought, she approved immediately. “Yeah, Ah think leavin' 'im with Rarity is a good idea.”
“Besides, we're too young for that kind of responsibility,” added Sweetie Belle.
“Then it is settled,” announced Twilight. “Rarity will be looking after...”
Rarity noticed the abrupt ending of Twilight's sentence, she also noticed the five sets of eyes locked on her.
“Urmm. I think he needs a name,” Fluttershy whispered.
“Oh right.” Rarity looked down at the child, she tried to look for distinguishing features to name him after, but drew a blank. It was then she realised. This was the only human around. It was an extremely rare occurrence to adopt a human, and it was just as rare that a human would be found. I'm fact humans in Equestria were pretty much... “Elusive. He shall be called Elusive.”
“Rarity shall be the step-in parent of Elusive, I will alert Princess Celestia immediately.” Twilight finished.
Rarity knew she had took on a lot of responsibility. She knew raising a son that wasn't meant to be in this world wouldn't be easy, but regardless, Elusive was her son, and she was tartarus bent on being the best mother she could.
Author's Note
New fic.
I know Elusive is rule 63 Rarity, but since this isn't a Rule 63 story, it shouldn't matter too much.
[22/12/14] changes
some grammatical corrections done
changed “Elements of Harmony” to “Council of Friendship”
One instance of auto-correct changing Belle to Bell fixed to say Belle
One instance of auto-correct changing she to when fixed to say she
Added Twilight referring to EqG to conform to canon
Worries. Travelling news. Princess Celestia's Arrival
Rarity carried Elusive's basket upon her back as she followed the Cutie Mark Crusaders out of the castle, trailing behind the trio of fillies slightly due to their boundless energy and her extra weight.
“So, you're a mom now?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“More of a custodian really,” replied Rarity.
“A what?” Scootaloo asked Applebloom, unintentionally audibly.
“I'm taking care of him while he is here, Scootaloo. I'm merely looking after him until his parents appear.”
“So basically yer his mother while his real mother can't be?” asked Applebloom.
Rarity smiled slightly at Applebloom's simplified explanation. “precisely.”
“Cool!” Exclaimed Scootaloo. “Can we babysit some time?”
“Ya know what this means?” Asked Applebloom, to which her two friends nodded.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders Human Babysitters!” the three shouted at once
Several unsuccessful crusade attempts that Rarity had overseen played through her mind, many of which lead to destruction, injury, or getting covered in abnormal quantities of tree sap. “Perhaps, should I ever find myself in a situation where I'd require such assistance, I'll ask someone more...professionally qualified as it were.”
Despite their usual insistence on a crusade oppurtunity, the three fillies were at a loss finding a valid argument to convince Rarity to let them try. It almost felt out of character to Rarity. Usually, there would be a stage of resistance before the Crusaders could be convinced.
“I guess your right,” said Sweetie Belle. “After all, it is a big responsibility.”
“Ah'll second that,” added Applebloom.
“Oh I assure you it's going to be no easy task for me either,” started Rarity. “I barely even know where to begin this time. I suppose a bit of shopping is in order, which won't be an issue, but then what should I do?” Rarity paused for a while, before a metaphorical light bulb appeared above her head. “Ideaaaaa,” she sung. “I could ask mother if she has anything to help with maternity.”
“That could work.” Sweetie Belle looked behind for a brief moment, only to notice her elder sister's expression instantly change from one of a pony who has just had a brilliant idea to an expression that showed only worry. “What?”
“Oh no,” Rarity began, due to start an over-dramatic outburst. “What if our parents don't agree with me adopting Elusive? What if they think I'm too young for this kind of responsibility? What if they don't like it that he's a different species?”
“Well ain't Twilight writin' to Princess Celestia about it?” asked Applebloom.
“What does that have to do with this?” retorted Scootaloo.
“Well firstly, Ah hate to say it, but there ain't no point in all'a this fuss until the princess has said it's okay.”
“I suppose that's perfectly understandable. I'm sure in this situation Princess Celestia will be most helpful. There is no way she would let such a defenceless looking creature fend for itself. Whether or not I shall be the one looking after it is a different matter, but I'm sure, whatever the case, Princess Celestia will only act for the benefit of Elusive and everypony involved,” said Rarity
“That still has nothing to do with our parents though,” Sweetie Belle added.
“Well, secondly,” continued Applebloom, “If Celestia is fine with Rarity lookin' after him, there ain't much anypony else can do.”
“Very clever thinking, Applebloom,” replied Rarity. “There is still the remaining problem that, in this case, I feel like waiting and then preparing is like building a top-heavy pyramid. I know I already dived in a little too soon, and had I known that this was going to happen, I'd have definitely been far more prepared. Another problem is that Princess Celestia could come in five minutes or some time next week, and it's impossible to make what Elusive has last him for any more than the rest of the day. There is simply no solution other than to seek aid.”
“Well, if you're that worried about telling mom and dad, why don't we go shopping now and get what we can, then when everything is sorted you can tell them. I'm sure there's no real need to worry though,” replied Sweetie Belle.
“Maybe you're right,” agreed Rarity. “However, until everything is set in stone, I would much rather avoid telling our parents. There is so much that could possibly go wrong.”
“So, shopping it is?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Shopping it is,” replied Rarity. “Will you two be joining us?”
As much as Applebloom wouldn't have minded so much, she knew she had to decline the offer. “Ah'm sorry, Ah said Ah'd help AJ with her chores right about now, so Ah'd better get back an' help her out.”
Scootaloo had a different approach to Applebloom. “Blech, shopping? No thanks. I think I'm gonna track Rainbow Dash down. Catch you all later.” without hesitation, the pegasus filly disappeared, followed by Applebloom heading off in the opposite direction.
For several seconds the siblings simply stood watching the two ponies disappear.
“OH NO!” Shouted Rarity, causing her younger sister a shock. She then glanced backwards to ensure she hadn't woken the sleeping Elusive with her outburst.
“What's up, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked, slowly recovering from the sudden shock.
“I really should have told them not to tell anypony.” Rarity realised that, without a doubt, both Applejack and Rainbow Dash would soon know about the chain of events that had transpired.
***
Rarity's eye twitched in annoyance as she stood before three of her closest friends. Sure, in reality, that isn't too large a number of visitors, but due to the nature of their visit, Rarity thought the whole town of Ponyville may as well be there.
The last thing she knew, the only ponies who knew were Fluttershy, Twilight, Lyra, and of course, the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She did fully intend to inform everypony else, in fact, she would have loved to have told everypony else if she weren't beaten to it.
She did guess that was to be expected since she didn't exactly tell anypony not to tell anypony else, and she didn't even know if everypony knowing was the source of her slight agitation. She would more closely peg it to the fact that she should have been the one to tell her friends. “Never mind,” she thought.
For several minutes, silence was the topic within the boutique. Rarity didn't know how her friends were feeling about the whole thing, and if the majority of them were to be completely honest, they didn't know either. Suddenly, the weight of the situation hit her. This was a situation in which not caring about what anypony thought of her was absolutely vital.
“Yes, it's true,” Rarity said, to which one of her three friends adopted a look of confusion.
“So, you, of all ponies?” Rainbow Dash asked, before bursting into laughter.
“Forgive me, but I fail to see what is so funny about this situation,” replied Rarity.
“No offence, Sugarcube,” Applejack added, “Ah think Dash might find it funny because we kinda expected it, but in a different way.”
“And what exactly are you implying? What do you mean another way?” Rarity asked.
“No,” interrupted Rainbow Dash. “I totally didn't see it coming. I mean, Rarity, the pony who hates getting dirty above all else.”
“Ah didn't mean anything bad by it, Rares,” Applejack replied, answering Rarity's previous question. “It's just that yer the only one of use that seems interested in romance and such. Well 'cept fer Twilight with that guard fella maybe. Ah think that should also explain what Ah meant by another way.”
“Ohhhhhhh I get it,” Pinkie Pie said, the confusion on her face replaced by a cheery smile. “It happened just as I guessed.” She began to bounce circles around Rarity.
“How could you possibly have guessed anything of the sort, Pinkie Pie? Besides, weren't you told? Isn't that your reason for being here?” Rarity enquired.
“Nu uh,” replied Pinkie Pie, still bouncing around. “I saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash coming here, and it looked like it was fun, and where there is fun, there is Pinkie Pie. Come on, silly, we all saw the whole situation happening. After getting your hear broken by Prince Snooty and Trenderhoof, it only makes sense that you would try something else. You have a special somepony, and it's a mare.”
Applejack brought a hoof to her face. “Ah'll never fully understand that pony.”
Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof doubled over with laughter. “Classic Pinkie Pie.”
Even Rarity, the subject of Pinkie Pie's outburst couldn't help but release a small chuckle. “Perhaps I should fully explain exactly what has happened.” Pinkie Pie nodded, confident he deduction had got most of it already. This prompted Rarity to continue. “Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo found a young creature of another world, known as a human, and I decided I would take care of it until it's real mother shows up.”
“But that has nothing to do with what I thought,” Pinkie Pie replied.
“That is your concern here? Despite the bizarre situation, you are concerned about your deduction skills?” Rarity asked, finding that conclusion rather odd.
“Oh, I totally knew humans existed,” replied Pinkie Pie.
“How is that possible?” Rarity asked. “I was under the impression that only Twilight and Spike knew of them, having travelled to the other dimension.” She paused briefly. “Oh, and Lyra, who studies humanity and anthropology.”
“Well duh,” replied Pinkie Pie. “Somewhere in that dimension is a human that looks like me, sounds like me, and is equally good at throwing parties as me. Who wouldn't be interested in that?”
“So, if Ah got this right, why can't we just have Twilight return...What's his name now?” Applejack asked.
“Elusive, for the time being,” replied Rarity.
“Why can't we just have Twi take Elusive back?” Applejack asked. “Ah think that would be better fer the poor child, his mother, who is probably worried sick, and you.”
“I believe there's a problem there,” replied Rarity. “Believe me, if that were the case, I'm positive that Twilight would have done that already. I'm not fully sure how it works, but from what I can gather, Twilight became one of that worlds' main inhabitants, or a human, so wouldn't it stand to reason that any human from that world would become one of our world's main inhabitants, a pony? Additionally, if he were to somehow get here, it would have been found in Twilight's castle as opposed to the Everfree Forrest. Bare in mind, it's easy to tell just by looking at him that he isn't yet old enough to walk.”
Applejack suddenly realised one of the ways in which her concerns could have been interpreted. “Look, Rares, Ah'm sorry. It's not like Ah'm tryin' to find every excuse fer you to not look after him, nor am Ah tryin' to get rid of him, it's just...” Applejack opened her mouth before closing it, knowing the next few words would be critical. After no small amount of consideration, she continued. “Ah just think he belongs with his own you know? On top of that, Ah'm worried about one of ma best friends. From what Ah hear, ya were quite quick to take responsibility, but it's gonna be hard on ya. Ah don't feel, fer a second, that yer not capable, Ah'm just sayin' it will be hard. Ah had to get ma concerns across, but Ah didn't mean anythin' bad by it. Goes without sayin' were all stickin' by ya, it's just a shame this has happened to Elusive and his family.”
“Applejack, darling. Any concerns are duly noted, after all, I do have some of my own. I appreciate you putting them across, and they are all understandable. The circumstance is unfortunate for Elusive, and that's why I feel it's my duty to ensure he is looked after until he is either able to return home of his own accord, or his parents are able to retrieve him,” replied Rarity.
Rainbow Dash, who had remained fairly quite for a while hovered off the ground, “you can bet I'm sticking with you, Rarity.”
“Thank you. All of you. From the bottom of my heart,” replied Rarity.
Applejack tipped her hat humbly. “What kinda friends would we be if we didn't?”
“Well that is how awesome I am,” replied Rainbow Dash. “It's how awesome we all are.”
“Looks like it's time for a party!” announced Pinkie Pie.
“Pinkie, I know part planning is your career, making you far more qualified than me, and this does sound like an occasion that you would wish to celebrate, but if there must be a party, I'd like to set a few conditions,” replied Rarity.
“Silly,” replied Pinkie, “I already know. Small gathering, family and close friends only, and you want to wait for Princess Celestia's approval to look after Elusive.”
Rarity had to admit to herself that she had briefly forgotten that Twilight was asking Princess Celestia for the go-ahead, She returned the thought back to the shelf to admire Pinkie Pie's experience.“Precisely. There is also the issue of telling my parents, but I will cross that hurdle when it comes to it. As soon as everything is set in motion, you will be the first to know.”
Pinkie simply nodded. “I should get back. The cakes are expecting me at work now, and they will be super disappointed if I'm late. See ya.” With that, Pinkie bounced out the boutique without waiting for a response.
“So, can we see him? Just a quick peek. I've got a nap...I mean, work scheduled any time soon,” said Rainbow Dash.
“But of course,” replied Rarity. “Follow me, but please keep quiet.” Rarity trotted out the room they were in, and into the next, followed by Rainbow Dash and Applejack. The room they entered was a practical living area away from the hustle and bustle of the boutique proper. On top of the table in the middle sat the basket containing the bundle. Rarity grabbed the basket of the handle in her teeth and lowered it to the ground, offering Applejack and Rainbow Dash a clear view of what wasn't hidden under blankets, which was only his face.
Rainbow Dash had to admit it had an adorable chubby little face. Fortunately, she only had to admit it inwardly. “So, this is Elusive. He is...moderately cute.” Rainbow Dash said, hiding the fact that it was one of the most adorable things she had ever seen.
“Moderately, ya say?” Applejack replied. “Then again, with you, well, ya wouldn't know adorable if it flew in ya face or bit ya tail.”
“Well, you wouldn't know awesome if she was standing right beside you,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Like she is now.”
Applejack rolled her eyes. “You wouldn't know modesty if it was ya middle name.”
“Actually, my middle name is professionalism,” replied Rainbow Dash.
“Is this really the time for this?” Rarity Asked before doing a double take. “Wait, since when was that your middle name? I thought Danger was your middle name.”
“Danger was a made up middle name,” Rainbow Dash replied. “As for Professionalism, I kind of told an official of the Equestria Games that my middle name was Professionalism, so I had to change it. Legal stuff you know?” Rainbow Dash looked at her hoof as if there was an object of interest on it. “Oh, look at the time, I've got to go.” Rainbow Dash quietly and slowly flew out of the room making her urgent appeal to get out look rather funny.
“Ah better get back, but Ah gotta ask ya a two things. Do ya mind indulgin' me for a moment?” Applejack asked.
“Oh, please do fire away,” replied Rarity.
“Firstly, Ah noticed ya didn't use ya magic to lift him just now. Ah'm just curious as to why that was.”
“Oh, it's just a precaution. Until I know for sure that being surrounded by raw magic energy given off by unicorn magic won't cause him any harm, I'm going to refrain from using any magic on him.”
“Ah completely understand. It ain't a problem, just a curiosity. Mah other question is one ah don't rightly know how to ask. If ya ever need help with Elusive at all, Ah'd like to be the first ya come to fer help.”
“I was actually going to ask if you wouldn't mind being the first, so if that is what you desire, it shall be.”
“Now ah got another question. Ah'm not complainin' it is what Ah wanted, but Ah thought you'd have considered Fluttershy first. You know, how she's good with these things an' such, and 'specially considerin' out of the five of us, Fluttershy is yer closest friend.”
“Now that's not a new misconception. I consider the five of you my friend equally, it's just Fluttershy and I have more common interests, so I'm able to more easily find ways to spend time with her. Much like yourself and Rainbow Dash. As for why I'd consider you above anypony else, well...”
“Oh right,” said Applejack, a sudden look of sadness present on her face. “Mah experience raisin' Apple Bloom.” Applejack often thought about that. She had been her little sister's guide to life. Granny Smith and Big Macintosh we always there, but even as a foal, it was always Applejack that Apple Bloom seemed more attached to.
A look of sorrow was formed on Rarity's face. “I'm so sorry, Applejack.”
“It's alright, Ah shouldn'ta pried. Ah shoulda just accepted it since it was what Ah wanted.”
“Applejack, you did an outstanding job, and nopony can take that from you, and even if the very sad situation wasn't so, I believe you would be the best candidate for understanding family values,” Rarity said, trying to console her downtrodden friend.
“Thanks, Rarity. Ah can see ya reason now,” still very much saddened.
Rarity moved closer and hugged her friend. “There are another two reasons though,” said Rarity, releasing Applejack from the hug. “Firstly, I truly believe you are the strongest out of the six of us. I honestly mean that.”
Applejack blushed slightly. “And the second?”
“Well, really, it's only the fair thing to do. After all, the ponies who should get to see Elusive the most are the three that found him, Scootaloo and Applebloom both well know they are welcome to see Sweetie and Elusive here any time, but perhaps if I were to take him to Sweet Apple Acres once a week, that would be ideal too.” Rarity panicked for a second. “That is if Princess Celestia is ok with me looking after him.”
Applejack realised it was time to ease Rarity's mind, just had Rarity done for her. “Ah have no doubt in mah mind that Princess Celestia will be final with it. After all, he does seem harmless, and he sure as sugar is in good hooves.”
“I suppose we shall just have to wait and see. I'm sure that, whatever the case may be, Princess Celestia will act in the interest of everypony involved.”
“Yer got that right,” replied Applejack. “Also, Ah found out about the little venture into the forest,” said Applejack, a slight look of disdain making itself present on her face.
“However did you decide to deal with the situation?” Rarity asked.
“Well, as much as Ah would have normally punished her, Ah couldn't deny the fact that by not goin', things could turned out very badly fer Elusive. Ah didn't say that, Ah kinda just gave her a verbal warnin'. Maybe Ah shoulda done a bit more considerin' the recent pie delivery incident, but Ah couldn't find it in me when we consider the fact they practically saved a life,” Applejack explainex
“I did the exact same following the exact same reasoning for Sweetie Belle. We can't exactly punish them, all things considered, but they must be aware of how dangerous the Everfree Forrest is.”
“Ah agree with ya. Oh, and Rarity?”
“Yes, Applejack,” replied Rarity.
“Thank ya fer earlier. Yano, with...”
“Say no more, Applejack. What are friends supposed to be for if not for trying to help a friend out?”
“Ah get ya, Rares. Ah hope ya don't mind, but Ah better take leave. Ah asked 'Bloom fer help, so Ah'd better get back an give her somepony to help.”
“Completely understandable. Don't let me keep you,” replied Rarity. As Applejack left, Rarity felt a twang of guilt for referring to something that Applejack was so sensitive about. I can't possibly imagine how she feels, Rarity thought to herself.
Despite this, she was glad she had her friends unconditional support and approval, although she had already resolved that she could not let the latter be important. Friends; check. Now just for The Princesses and my parents, Rarity thought.
No sooner had Rarity thought of what Princess Celestia and her parents may think, than a quiet, but audible knock announced somepony's want to enter the premesis. Quietly, she made her way to the front door. “Sorry, temporary closure due to a personal...” When the door was fully opened, instead of a customer, she saw her best friend. “Oh, Twilight, it's you. Please do come in. May I interest you in some tea?”
“None for me, thanks” Twilight replied. “In fact, I'm here to tell you that Princess Celestia will be here to see Elusive within a half an hour.”
“That soon?” Rarity asked, somewhat shocked. “Then again, I suppose the nature of the situation warrants immediate attention considering all the possibilities. Their was also something else I wish to speak to you about. Applejack brought the portal to my attention, and I believe I already know, but I wish to confirm this; is the world through the portal not Elusive's world?"
Twilight looked down at the ground, appearing somewhat remorseful. “I had considered that, but hearing the story of the discovery just once sets too many conditions against the theory, not to mention the fact he didn't switch forms, which I believe to be the norm between our worlds.”
“So, it is as I suspected,” Rarity thought out loud. “Then where do you supposed came from?”
“It's very simple really. You see, our world and the world through the portal are parallel universes, the follow very similar laws and run on the same version of the space-time continuum. Elusive likely comes from a world on a completely different tangent. A world that follows its own laws of physics,” Twilight replied.
“Twilight, darling, do you think you could explain that in Equestrian?”
“While our world, and the world through the portal follow similar laws, and having a strikingly similar pattern of events, The world Elusive is from is completely different,” Twilight simplified.
“That's more understandable for me. I had presumed that Elusive was from somewhere completely different due to the lack of transformation and where he ended up, but it was worth checking on anyway,” Rarity said.
“Now, if I may, I have a question for you; Have you told the girls yet?” Twilight asked
“Well, you and Fluttershy were the first two I told, Applebloom and Scootaloo told Applejack and Rainbow Dash respectively, and Pinkie Pie thought something fun was happening, so I had to explain everything to the three of them at once. It felt a little awkward, but fortunately they all seemed to approve, though I would have to make it the least of my concerns if they did,” Rarity replied.
“We are your friends,Rarity,” Twilight replied. “whether we approved or not, we would always support you, and just so it's clear, I will be supporting you with Princess Celestia.”
“As much as I appreciate it, Twilight, and believe me, I do, I'm sure that regardless of the situation and what we say, Princess Celestia will know what is best.”
“I understand that, but let's call it moral support.” Twilight looked out the window and vaguely saw an easily identifiable flying object in the distance. “Well, it seems Princess Celestia will be arriving even sooner than expected.”
Suddenly Rarity felt all her nerves screw up into a ball. “Good heavens, is she here already, I must get ready! I must look the part to make a case, but I mustn't be late! Where are we to rendezvous?”
Twilight put a hoof on her friend's shoulder. “Rarity, calm down. I have requested that all arrangements take place here. I hope you don't mind. I felt it better for the matter to be kept private.”
“Excellent initiative, Twilight,” replied Rarity.
“Furthermore,” Twilight added “There is no need for this to be formal.” Twilight took another glance out the window to see her former mentor approaching the front of the boutique with two guards in tow. “Well, Princess Celestia is here.”
“I guess it's now or never,” replied Rarity. Several seconds passed in silence before a quiet knock on the door was heard. Rarity moved towards the front door, and opened it to see Princess Celestia, along with two uniform guards, both hulking white stallions clad in golden armour. Rarity gave a polite bow. “Princess Celestia. Please do come in.” Princess Celestia entered, leaving the two guards standing outside as per their duties.
Author's Note
Well, where do I even start? I believe I made my case regarding the lack of updates several time. There was severe writers block, packed schedules, and I'm pretty sure there was a broken arm somewhere down the line, though I've forgotten how that happened. Painting a fence or something.
Anyway, I'd like to apologise again for the delay, on self assessment there were things that didn't sit right with me, so I did a rework. As much as I will likely regret this, I only did a self assessment because I really didn't want to delay it further.
As always, criticism will be noted, appreciated, and if possible, worked on, and if possible, worked into the fic and credited.
Thanks for your patience.
