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.