Her Little Gemby Harmony PieChaptersA Curious IdeaCuriouser and CuriouserBroken GemsReachingA Curious Idea"Sweetie Belle? How's it going, darling?" Rarity called out, stepping around the corner to the sight of her little sister sprawled out on the living room floor. Her lime green eyes raced across the pages of her book as she hummed thoughtfully. "Fine," she murmured in reply, without glancing up to Rarity. "I'm reading a really good book that I just borrowed from Twilight today." "Oh, is that so?" Rarity lilted, smiling coyly. "Does it perhaps have any bit of romance in it, Sweetie?" The smaller unicorn made a face, but her cheeks flushed pink. "Maybe," she muttered, bringing her face closer to the book in response. Rarity chuckled lightly. "No worry. I actually quite enjoyed that particular story when I was a filly; it's a classic." Sweetie Belle just nodded, already engrossed in her book once again. Rarity smiled softly. "Well, I'm afraid you can't stay any longer, darling. Our parents are here, and you must hop up so they can take you home." It was quiet for a moment, with only the sound of magic turning pages. When Rarity cleared her throat, Sweetie Belle groaned, but picked herself up from the carpet. "I guess I'd better go, then?" Rarity raised an eyebrow, to which Sweetie quickly closed the book, tucking it between her arms. "Thank you so much, sis! I'll come visit in a week!" She gave a sheepish grin, brushing her two-toned mane from her forehead clumsily. Rarity waved a hoof. "Of course! And don't you fret, I already got all your belongings packed away in the trunk," she said, reaching in to give the filly a hug. "You're the best, Rarity," she squeaked. Then she, with a turn on her hooves, trotted to the door. "Tell the "Crusaders" I say 'bye', okay?" Rarity winked. "Can do." As the filly made her way over the threshold to the carriage waiting outside, she caught a final glimpse of the mark upon her flank. For some reason, it made Rarity feel a twinge of sadness. She pressed her ears back against her indigo mane as her smile faded. It wasn't a new feeling, however, that much Rarity could tell. It had been lingering in her mind for the past couple months, but had always been pushed away. Absentmindedly, she closed the door. "Rarity, you silly filly," she remarked to herself, glancing around at all the dresses. "She's just growing up, that's all." Her diamond eyes fell on a framed picture hanging up against the wall. It was the drawing Sweetie had made for her 3 years ago, while Rarity had been foolish enough not to race in the Sisterhooves Social. The childish depictions of the two sisters held a certain charm that only a foal could master. Every time she looked it, she would be struck with a sense of nostalgia. Rarity bit her lip. It was true that her little sis was changing, at the difficult age of 12, especially due to her new confidence of her cutie mark. Yet, she had grown mentally too, no longer subjecting herself to aimless doodling and senseless escapades. Rarity sighed, stomping her hoof on the floor. "Oh, buck up! So, your little sister is growing up into a fine, young lady? That's great, is it not?" She studied herself in the reflection of the shiny frame. "Right." Rarity pursed her lips at her unconvincing tone. She was most likely getting herself worked up over a bit of hunger. As Applejack said, much too often: "An apple a day keeps grumpiness away." This was usually aimed at a rather irked Twilight after a long night of reading. Rarity's mouth dropped open when she finally took notice of her mess of hair, and smudged mascara. "Sugarcube Corner it is, then." ~~~~~~~ "Hey there, Miss Rarity! What'll it be?" Mrs. Cake stood behind the counter, a pleasant smile on her face as she greeted her customer. Rarity didn't waste a second. "I'll take an apple-nut muffin, if you will," she said quickly, but kindly. Anything to take her mind away from more... pressing issues. As the older mare dipped below the counter, Rarity tilted her head at the two baby twins seated on the table behind her. She watched in amusement as Pumpkin sneezed all over her brother, resulting in a collection of squeals and screams. Their mother jerked up, leaning over and making a cooing noise at the squabbling foals. "'Scuse me a moment, deary," Mrs. Cake remarked, scooping her kids up in her arms. "Now, you two behave," she scolded, although endearingly. "If you little cupcakes want to stay out here with the big ponies like Rarity, you have to be good foals, alright?" Pumpkin Cake's response was a high squeak of laughter. "That's right," she laughed. "And that means no sneezing on anypony!" Mrs. Cake booped her daughter on the nose. Why, Celestia, I wish I could do that. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Rarity stiffened, and her muzzle scrunched up. What ever was that? Surely she meant they were cute, right? Everypony loves babies. Her stance less relaxed than before, Rarity coughed nervously, reminding the other pony of her presence. Mrs. Cake, blushing slightly, nodded, and rang up her order. "Thank you," Rarity mumbled, taking the bag in her levitation after hoofing over the bits. She found a secluded seat by the window, trying to focus on the scenery beyond it. What is going on today? Rarity placed her face in her hooves. She was acting... strange, no doubt. Of course she adored little foals, as she assumed anyone in their right mind would, but lately--it had been different. Not necessarily a bad different, just a longing that had grown even stronger. Rarity straightened up immediately when she saw ponies around her giving her strange looks. "Oh, umm, nevermind," she stuttered, flustered. She had to stop talking out loud to herself one day. Quickly pulling out her muffin, Rarity nibbled on it, and then sighed. She was sweating again. Ladies never sweat. Except when being struck with the best, most amazing and ridiculous fantasy in all of Equus. Curiouser and Curiouser"You're what?!" Applejack's bewildered gaze met the white unicorn's. Her orange jaw hung open in shock. Rarity shuffled nervously within the crowd around her. "Oh, do keep it down, darling. You know how news like this spreads," she said, placing her hoof over her friend's. Applejack quickly closed her mouth, lowering her stetson back over her mane. "Holy mother of Celestia, do ya really mean it?" Her emerald eyes twinkled, as she cupped a hoof over her lips in a whisper. Rarity gave a strained smile, her nose wrinkling at the spittle that came from Applejack. "I believe so, Applejack. But ooh.." she held her forelimb up to her head melodramatically. "It was quite hard to come to this decision." The farm mare grinned, patting her friend on the shoulder. "Oh, Ah can only imagine," she replied, hoisting her basket up higher on her back. "What made ya think of such a thing?" Rarity bit her lip, studying the ground. "Oh, well. I don't know. It's just something I've been missing for a while," she said softly. Applejack nodded. "Yep, sometimes the best things in life are like that. Just like me and mah apples." Rarity made a face, rolling her eyes. "Yes, darling. Just like your apples." Applejack chuckled, a deep rolling laugh. "Ah'm only kiddin. It sounds mighty excitin', Rares. Ah'm proud of ya. But Ah gotta get back to sellin' these apple fritters. Is that alright if Ah see ya later? Ah reckon this is something ya want to do on your own." Rarity nodded eagerly, wrapping her hooves around her friend's chest. As they pulled away, Applejack with a clap on the back, Rarity waved goodbye. "Good luck!" Applejack called, facing back for just a moment as she trotted away. "Although, Ah know there are other ways of gettin' a foal!" She winked Rarity harrumphed at her retreating form, her face a bright red. Wasn't that just like her? But, for some reason, she still found that she was smirking. Her heart pounding erratically within her chest, Rarity took a deep breath, continuing on her way past the fair's many stalls to her destination. As she walked, the sounds faded behind her. The night before, she had finally come up with the single most important choice of her life, however complicated it might of seemed under the dark of Luna's night sky. She had littered her room with crumpled up papers and notes on pros and cons. Rarity never realized how hectic it was to come to a single conclusion; she would have to compliment Twilight the next time she came out of a multi day studying session. After analyzing her deepest desires and feelings, (and many tubs of vanilla oat swirl ice cream later) Rarity had fallen asleep content. She was going to adopt a foal. Just thinking about it made the alabaster unicorn's face light up. Surely that was what she was missing! And not only a foal; but a filly! One that would fill the hole in her heart that Sweetie was leaving, and allow her to raise somepony who still depended on her. "Besides, it's a good enough time, as it is," Rarity mused to herself. She was reaching the age of 23, and knew that she was extremely capable of handling a young, adorable pony. Mother and Father will be so excited! But then her smile fell. But would Sweetie feel the same? She envisioned her sister, heartbroken and upset over the possible new addition to the family, never to speak to her again. "Ugh, again with the dramatics, Rarity," she consoled. "I'm sure she will be fine." I hope. Shaking her violet tresses, Rarity guiltily shoved the thought away. "Uh, hello? Excuse me, miss? I'm Rarity, and am here to adopt a filly." Her stomach exploded in butterflies at the words. She nearly squealed. The caretaker looked up from the desk, her glasses almost sliding off her nose. She had old, wrinkled, faded grey fur, and a rat's nest of blue curls beneath a very tacky pink hat. Rarity visibly winced. But, through her not very chique glasses, she noticed, kind, wise eyes. She smiled warmly at the old mare in greeting. "Rarity? Nice to meet you, the name's Honey Petal. But you can call me mother, just like the rest of the wonderful children here," the caretaker said. Rarity pursed her lips. What a kind lady. Thankfully, not at all like she had imagined from the orphan books that she had read as a child. "Why, of course... Mother." Still, the name didn't seem to fit, but Rarity complied. Honey chuckled. "I've heard much about you from around Ponyville. You're the famous fashion designer, element bearer, multiple-savior of Equestria, and best friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle, are you not?" Rarity mouth went dry. "Well, when you say it like that..." she rubbed the back of her white neck. Honey seemed to find amusement in Rarity's embarrassment. "Relax, dear. Would you like to see the filly's dorm room, now?" she asked, leaning forward on the table, over the papers. "Would I?" Rarity gasped loudly, clapping her hooves together in excitement. Seeing Honey's bemusement, Rarity quickly regained herself, blushing. "Yes, I wouldn't mind," she answered, lifting her nose up. Honey Petal got up, muttering something about eager, young parents. Rarity, with an unladylike spring in her steps, followed the older pony down the hallway, and stopped at a wooden set of stairs that spiraled up. "Ooh," she remarked, craning her neck up. "Very antique." Honey Petal just furrowed her brow, already beginning to make her way up the steps. Rarity trailed behind, ever so often glancing down in awe. As the neared a door at the top, Honey slowed. "Oh, Celestia, not again," she murmured. Rarity's ears perked up at the ruckus... fracus, coming from behind the door, loud enough to startle a Fluttershy. Honey, frowning, threw open the door with a burst of her magic. Rarity gaped, joining the caretaker over the threshold. "Oh my," she whispered. Scattered across the room and the many beds, ran at least 25 fillies, screaming and yelling and tumbling everywhere. But, they all seemed to be looking at something at the part of the room that was almost empty. "Emerald Joy!" Honey dashed into the room, falling down on her knees beside a bed against the wall. Rarity cocked an eyebrow, stepping after the mare. She heard the sounds of squeaky sobs. "I'm sorry, Mother!" the voice cried beneath the bed, scrabbling on the hardwood floor. "I'm sorry." Rarity's breath caught in her throat at the sound. She peered under the dangling sheets, the hushed voices of the fillies behind her. What she saw succeeded in tearing her heart out. Pushed against the wall was a tear-stained butter yellow colt, with emerald green hair and blue innocent eyes. All signs would have pointed to the fact that the little pony was a earth pony, except above his forehead sat a severed horn stump. Rarity, without even realizing what she was doing, rushed forward and embraced the sobbing colt in her warm arms. Broken Gems"It's alright! It's alright!" Rarity soothed, gently rubbing the colt's shuddering back. Emerald, as she presumed, only cried harder, twisting in her grasp. "No!" he shouted, pushing away from her hooves. "I'm sorry!" Behind her, Honey hung her head. "Listen, Emerald Joy. You simply cannot do this every single time!" She scooted closer, bringing his quivering chin up to eye level. "Would you like to get a drink of water with..." she caught Rarity's troubled gaze. "With Miss Rarity here? While I go talk to those boys?" Emerald rubbed his face roughly, glancing up shyly at Rarity, who put on her best I'm-simply-a-kind-trustworthy-mare- smile. Reluctantly, and with a sniffle, he nodded. Honey clapped in delight. She turned to the fillies watching in curiosity. "Okay--Daisy stop eating that chair--everypony! Lunch will be served in a half hour, and until then I expect you to behave yourselves!" The foals all nodded in unison. Beckoning, Honey stepped out the door, making a sharp turn left down the hallway. Rarity watched, her ears flattened. She immediately perked up when she remembered Emerald. "Alright, sweetie," she cooed, trying not to let her eyes draw to his lack of a horn. "Let's go walk, shall we?" Emerald slowly got to his hooves, keeping his head down. " 'Kay," he mumbled. Rarity felt her chest squeeze at his forlorn expression. She turned around once more before closing the door, stopping in confusion. Muttering under her breath, she shook her head in disbelief. Rarity, the stress of this is getting to your head. Surely, there is not a small, orange face poking from out behind another filly. A *very familiar orange face.* Rarity blinked, and the face was gone. She rubbed her forehead, leading the small colt down the stairs. "So," she began, unconsciously making her voice a few octaves higher. She led the quiet Emerald down one step at a time. "What exactly was the problem, darling? Why were you sad?" She glanced down at the colt, offering a hoof. Emerald scrunched up his tiny muzzle. "It was those colts, again, Miss Rarity. Again. They is always being mean to me, and yelling, and hurting me." Rarity's mouth dropped open, and she stepped a bit closer to him. "Why ever would those bullies pick on such a sweet foal?" she exclaimed. Emerald pouted. "Because I'm just a weak baby that nopony is ever gonna want, and I'm so ugly and looking weird 'cause of my head," he rambled in his childish diction. "That's why." Rarity had grown pale as they reached the bottom of the winding staircase. Her blue eyes were wide in a feeling she couldn't quite describe. "That's just awful, Emerald!" Foals could be plain horrible. "I assure you that you are none of those things," she said kindly. Emerald didn't respond, and simply stumbled ahead of the unicorn. "I just wanna--I need to get some water. Mother said." He skidded to a halt by a drinking fountain, gulping as much water as he could. Emerald seemed to think that it could solve everything. When he pulled back up, his entire furry face was drenched, in which Rarity could only hope was all water. That poor dear. "Are you good now, darling?" she asked, backing up as he collapsed on the floor in a puddle of drinking water. "I don't know," he responded, rolling over. "Water helps." Rarity opened her mouth, only to be interrupted by a loud groan from upstairs. She whirled around, nearly slipping. Honey descended the stairs, her face contorted in exasperation. "I'm so sorry, Rarity. Thank you for watching Emerald," she said, catching up to her. Her glasses almost slipped off her nose. "I swear, those colts are driving me up the wall! The things they do to.." she pointed her grey hoof at the colt wallowing in the water. "It's simply upsetting." Rarity nodded, pressing her hooves together. "Oh, I know, Honey. The poor darling started to tell me about it! I cannot believe it!" she intoned. Honey just shook her head. "I'm sure they do it much more often, but about once a week, Emerald will sneak into the fillys' dorm just to get away from the bullies. I am thinking about removing him all together." Rarity furrowed her brow. "Have you ever thought about... punishing them, in a way they will remember? Perhaps skipping dinner?" she winced at her bluntness. Honey stiffened. "I could never! As much as they deserve it, it is against my morals and the orphanage code to starve the children," she admonished. Rarity flinched. "Wha? No, not starve! But you're absolutely correct, Honey. I--I just want to see him better," she said softly. Honey pushed her glasses up, sighing. "I've always wished that. But fate had other plans for Emerald Joy." she paused, leaning in a bit closer. "And yet, that's not even his real name." Rarity tilted her head, swallowing hard. "What do you mean?" The older mare pulled back suddenly. "Sugar?" she began. "Can you please go back upstairs? The adults need to discuss something." Emerald whimpered, wiping at his eyes, which only succeeded in getting more water in them. "But mother, they is gonna be there!" his voice broke. Honey looked pained. "Alright. You may go to the fillies' dorm. For now. But do not cause trouble, capiche?" Emerald nodded mutely, scrambling up and sprinting away. "Thank you, mother!" he cried out. Honey bowed her head, pulling up a chair. She brought one for Rarity, who sat down without a sound. She cleared her throat, taking off her hat, and placed it on the floor. "Rarity," she started. "Emerald... he has not had the best life. His parents; well, they called him many names, from what I could tell. But to Emerald, he went by It." Rarity's eyes dilated. "It?" she breathed, placing her arms over her chest. Honey pressed her lips together. "Rarity," she said quietly. "Would you like me to tell you a story?" Reaching"Emerald Joy..." Honey's eyes flickered uncertainly, and she rubbed her face tiredly. "Celestia, he was one of the worst we've ever seen before." Rarity whipped her head back to the staircase, before meeting the older mare's gaze with a furrowed brow. "But, darling, he seems like an absolute delight! Certainly a kind-hearted child," she protested. Honey Petal shook her head, the faintest of smiles upon her lips. "Oh, yes, I know, Rarity. Emerald is just a sweet colt. You misunderstood. He was the worst cases," she said softly. Rarity took a deep breath, her violet curls falling over her forehead. "Oh, dear." Honey sighed, her eyes crinkling up like paper. "My workers, to say; the caretakers of my wonderful children, found him... in a cage. They had heard reports of screaming and frequent crying during the night from neighbors, and upon investigating, they were led to the house of the very colt," Honey said, focusing glassily off in the distance. "They found him trapped down in the basement, where there was nothing, nothing, but a rusty old cage, surrounded by empty darkness. They told me there was a 4-year-old little pony stuffed inside, the cage being so small his head was bowed down to the ground. And... and—" she chocked. Rarity squeezed her hooves together. "No," she breathed. Honey pressed her ears back. "He was hardly more than skin and bones. He couldn't speak, even when the caretakers broke him out. He had obviously been left there to die, after we found his mother passed out, intoxicated, on the couch upstairs. The worst part was his horn, as you saw. Luna, it was festering and bloody! Gone, and jagged, like a knife had sliced it off." Honey's weathered jaw clenched. "We spoke to his abusive mom, and she finally told that she had ripped it away by force because her son was sleep-teleporting. Sleep-teleporting!" Honey buried her face in her forelimbs with a gasp, soon followed to her side by Rarity. "That's horrible!" Rarity cried, finding that her cheeks were streaked with mascara. "I can't believe... that poor little baby!" Honey moaned. "I know, Rarity. I know. They took him home, and I fed him, bathed him, but Emerald never lost his fear, and his timidness. Because of his constant starvation, he grew very thin, and the colts won't stop harassing him! They won't listen to anything I say, and I can see he's hurting!" She leaned into Rarity's shoulder. "No pony takes him in. He's too unstable, too strange," she finished. For once in her life, the unicorn was silent. Her chest rose up and down rapidly. "Do you wish there was something you could do?" she whispered. Honey only nodded, weakly—a mother not able to save her child. Her hooves shook. Rarity closed her eyes. She felt faint, yet certain. "Honey, please get the papers." The older mare jerked up, her tears, those that would never go away, glistened on her fur. "Rarity..." Rarity gave a tight lipped smile. "Yes. I know what I'm doing," she said quietly. Honey swallowed hard, pushing herself up. "Do you really mean it? Bless you, my angel, he needs someone like you so desperately! I know you were generous, but, Rarity, this is..." Rarity shook her head. "No, Honey, this isn't my generosity shining through. Just a little bit of love." A swift wind carried the scent of flowers and warm sunshine, as Rarity trailed carefully down the dirt path. Her heart pounded erratically. Gems, is he alright? Behind her stumbled the butter-yellow colt, his eyes wide in fear whenever she looked back. He had refuesed to talk, or even walk beside Rarity to his new home. Emerald's hooves skidded around in the dust, taking in every sight and sound he sensed. "Emerald Joy?" she asked, trying to keep her voice level. The colt squeaked in response, seeming to have a heart attack. Rarity frowned, swallowing away her tears. Leaving the orphanage had been... interesting, to say the least. The boys and caused a fuss, calling him horrid names, and scrambling to Rarity's side to ask to be adopted instead. The fillies had only cried, yet Honey had assured they did that every time. Emerald didn't want to leave, and that was quite clear. Despite his torture from his peers, he loved 'Mother' dearly, and it almost broke Rarity's heart. She shot a worried glance over her shoulder again, before taking note that they had already arrived at her boutique. She forced a smile. "Alright, Emerald! Home sweet...home?" She trailed off when she realized the colt had vanished, and that the bushes near by were rustling suspiciously. "Oh, this'll be fun." Sighing with effort, Rarity managed to heave the squirming colt onto the sofa, and stood back. "There, darling. It's alright. See, my house's nice, is it not?" she asked, sweat pouring down her forehead. Emerald flipped himself upside down on the cushions, sniffing. "It-it looks scary," he squealed, hiding his face. Rarity tilted her head. "It is? I assure you, it is completely safe." She sat down on the couch, reaching out to pat Emerald on the shoulder. Instead of accepting her touch, the colt shied away, his breaths coming out fast and short. "No, no!" he cried, pushing away. Rarity's hoof fell, as well as her smile. "But-but I thought you liked me!" Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. Had she scared the little kid? Emerald whimpered. "No, uh, you're okay, Miss Rarity," he said, hardly above a whisper. "But Mother's not here, she was with me before. To protect me! She's gone now! I wanna go home!" he wailed. Rarity bit her lip. "You are home, darling!" she said, resisting the urge to hug him. Emerald's lip quivered. "I'm not! I-I —" he broke down, his tears coming heavy. Rarity flinched. Before she could react, he dived past her, sprinting towards Sweetie's bedroom and slamming the door. Rarity stared after him, the warmth already leaving the cushions. Slowly, she stood up, and headed to the freezer. A night with a tub of Vanilla Oat's Swirl didn't seem so bad.
A Curious Idea"Sweetie Belle? How's it going, darling?" Rarity called out, stepping around the corner to the sight of her little sister sprawled out on the living room floor. Her lime green eyes raced across the pages of her book as she hummed thoughtfully. "Fine," she murmured in reply, without glancing up to Rarity. "I'm reading a really good book that I just borrowed from Twilight today." "Oh, is that so?" Rarity lilted, smiling coyly. "Does it perhaps have any bit of romance in it, Sweetie?" The smaller unicorn made a face, but her cheeks flushed pink. "Maybe," she muttered, bringing her face closer to the book in response. Rarity chuckled lightly. "No worry. I actually quite enjoyed that particular story when I was a filly; it's a classic." Sweetie Belle just nodded, already engrossed in her book once again. Rarity smiled softly. "Well, I'm afraid you can't stay any longer, darling. Our parents are here, and you must hop up so they can take you home." It was quiet for a moment, with only the sound of magic turning pages. When Rarity cleared her throat, Sweetie Belle groaned, but picked herself up from the carpet. "I guess I'd better go, then?" Rarity raised an eyebrow, to which Sweetie quickly closed the book, tucking it between her arms. "Thank you so much, sis! I'll come visit in a week!" She gave a sheepish grin, brushing her two-toned mane from her forehead clumsily. Rarity waved a hoof. "Of course! And don't you fret, I already got all your belongings packed away in the trunk," she said, reaching in to give the filly a hug. "You're the best, Rarity," she squeaked. Then she, with a turn on her hooves, trotted to the door. "Tell the "Crusaders" I say 'bye', okay?" Rarity winked. "Can do." As the filly made her way over the threshold to the carriage waiting outside, she caught a final glimpse of the mark upon her flank. For some reason, it made Rarity feel a twinge of sadness. She pressed her ears back against her indigo mane as her smile faded. It wasn't a new feeling, however, that much Rarity could tell. It had been lingering in her mind for the past couple months, but had always been pushed away. Absentmindedly, she closed the door. "Rarity, you silly filly," she remarked to herself, glancing around at all the dresses. "She's just growing up, that's all." Her diamond eyes fell on a framed picture hanging up against the wall. It was the drawing Sweetie had made for her 3 years ago, while Rarity had been foolish enough not to race in the Sisterhooves Social. The childish depictions of the two sisters held a certain charm that only a foal could master. Every time she looked it, she would be struck with a sense of nostalgia. Rarity bit her lip. It was true that her little sis was changing, at the difficult age of 12, especially due to her new confidence of her cutie mark. Yet, she had grown mentally too, no longer subjecting herself to aimless doodling and senseless escapades. Rarity sighed, stomping her hoof on the floor. "Oh, buck up! So, your little sister is growing up into a fine, young lady? That's great, is it not?" She studied herself in the reflection of the shiny frame. "Right." Rarity pursed her lips at her unconvincing tone. She was most likely getting herself worked up over a bit of hunger. As Applejack said, much too often: "An apple a day keeps grumpiness away." This was usually aimed at a rather irked Twilight after a long night of reading. Rarity's mouth dropped open when she finally took notice of her mess of hair, and smudged mascara. "Sugarcube Corner it is, then." ~~~~~~~ "Hey there, Miss Rarity! What'll it be?" Mrs. Cake stood behind the counter, a pleasant smile on her face as she greeted her customer. Rarity didn't waste a second. "I'll take an apple-nut muffin, if you will," she said quickly, but kindly. Anything to take her mind away from more... pressing issues. As the older mare dipped below the counter, Rarity tilted her head at the two baby twins seated on the table behind her. She watched in amusement as Pumpkin sneezed all over her brother, resulting in a collection of squeals and screams. Their mother jerked up, leaning over and making a cooing noise at the squabbling foals. "'Scuse me a moment, deary," Mrs. Cake remarked, scooping her kids up in her arms. "Now, you two behave," she scolded, although endearingly. "If you little cupcakes want to stay out here with the big ponies like Rarity, you have to be good foals, alright?" Pumpkin Cake's response was a high squeak of laughter. "That's right," she laughed. "And that means no sneezing on anypony!" Mrs. Cake booped her daughter on the nose. Why, Celestia, I wish I could do that. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Rarity stiffened, and her muzzle scrunched up. What ever was that? Surely she meant they were cute, right? Everypony loves babies. Her stance less relaxed than before, Rarity coughed nervously, reminding the other pony of her presence. Mrs. Cake, blushing slightly, nodded, and rang up her order. "Thank you," Rarity mumbled, taking the bag in her levitation after hoofing over the bits. She found a secluded seat by the window, trying to focus on the scenery beyond it. What is going on today? Rarity placed her face in her hooves. She was acting... strange, no doubt. Of course she adored little foals, as she assumed anyone in their right mind would, but lately--it had been different. Not necessarily a bad different, just a longing that had grown even stronger. Rarity straightened up immediately when she saw ponies around her giving her strange looks. "Oh, umm, nevermind," she stuttered, flustered. She had to stop talking out loud to herself one day. Quickly pulling out her muffin, Rarity nibbled on it, and then sighed. She was sweating again. Ladies never sweat. Except when being struck with the best, most amazing and ridiculous fantasy in all of Equus.
Curiouser and Curiouser"You're what?!" Applejack's bewildered gaze met the white unicorn's. Her orange jaw hung open in shock. Rarity shuffled nervously within the crowd around her. "Oh, do keep it down, darling. You know how news like this spreads," she said, placing her hoof over her friend's. Applejack quickly closed her mouth, lowering her stetson back over her mane. "Holy mother of Celestia, do ya really mean it?" Her emerald eyes twinkled, as she cupped a hoof over her lips in a whisper. Rarity gave a strained smile, her nose wrinkling at the spittle that came from Applejack. "I believe so, Applejack. But ooh.." she held her forelimb up to her head melodramatically. "It was quite hard to come to this decision." The farm mare grinned, patting her friend on the shoulder. "Oh, Ah can only imagine," she replied, hoisting her basket up higher on her back. "What made ya think of such a thing?" Rarity bit her lip, studying the ground. "Oh, well. I don't know. It's just something I've been missing for a while," she said softly. Applejack nodded. "Yep, sometimes the best things in life are like that. Just like me and mah apples." Rarity made a face, rolling her eyes. "Yes, darling. Just like your apples." Applejack chuckled, a deep rolling laugh. "Ah'm only kiddin. It sounds mighty excitin', Rares. Ah'm proud of ya. But Ah gotta get back to sellin' these apple fritters. Is that alright if Ah see ya later? Ah reckon this is something ya want to do on your own." Rarity nodded eagerly, wrapping her hooves around her friend's chest. As they pulled away, Applejack with a clap on the back, Rarity waved goodbye. "Good luck!" Applejack called, facing back for just a moment as she trotted away. "Although, Ah know there are other ways of gettin' a foal!" She winked Rarity harrumphed at her retreating form, her face a bright red. Wasn't that just like her? But, for some reason, she still found that she was smirking. Her heart pounding erratically within her chest, Rarity took a deep breath, continuing on her way past the fair's many stalls to her destination. As she walked, the sounds faded behind her. The night before, she had finally come up with the single most important choice of her life, however complicated it might of seemed under the dark of Luna's night sky. She had littered her room with crumpled up papers and notes on pros and cons. Rarity never realized how hectic it was to come to a single conclusion; she would have to compliment Twilight the next time she came out of a multi day studying session. After analyzing her deepest desires and feelings, (and many tubs of vanilla oat swirl ice cream later) Rarity had fallen asleep content. She was going to adopt a foal. Just thinking about it made the alabaster unicorn's face light up. Surely that was what she was missing! And not only a foal; but a filly! One that would fill the hole in her heart that Sweetie was leaving, and allow her to raise somepony who still depended on her. "Besides, it's a good enough time, as it is," Rarity mused to herself. She was reaching the age of 23, and knew that she was extremely capable of handling a young, adorable pony. Mother and Father will be so excited! But then her smile fell. But would Sweetie feel the same? She envisioned her sister, heartbroken and upset over the possible new addition to the family, never to speak to her again. "Ugh, again with the dramatics, Rarity," she consoled. "I'm sure she will be fine." I hope. Shaking her violet tresses, Rarity guiltily shoved the thought away. "Uh, hello? Excuse me, miss? I'm Rarity, and am here to adopt a filly." Her stomach exploded in butterflies at the words. She nearly squealed. The caretaker looked up from the desk, her glasses almost sliding off her nose. She had old, wrinkled, faded grey fur, and a rat's nest of blue curls beneath a very tacky pink hat. Rarity visibly winced. But, through her not very chique glasses, she noticed, kind, wise eyes. She smiled warmly at the old mare in greeting. "Rarity? Nice to meet you, the name's Honey Petal. But you can call me mother, just like the rest of the wonderful children here," the caretaker said. Rarity pursed her lips. What a kind lady. Thankfully, not at all like she had imagined from the orphan books that she had read as a child. "Why, of course... Mother." Still, the name didn't seem to fit, but Rarity complied. Honey chuckled. "I've heard much about you from around Ponyville. You're the famous fashion designer, element bearer, multiple-savior of Equestria, and best friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle, are you not?" Rarity mouth went dry. "Well, when you say it like that..." she rubbed the back of her white neck. Honey seemed to find amusement in Rarity's embarrassment. "Relax, dear. Would you like to see the filly's dorm room, now?" she asked, leaning forward on the table, over the papers. "Would I?" Rarity gasped loudly, clapping her hooves together in excitement. Seeing Honey's bemusement, Rarity quickly regained herself, blushing. "Yes, I wouldn't mind," she answered, lifting her nose up. Honey Petal got up, muttering something about eager, young parents. Rarity, with an unladylike spring in her steps, followed the older pony down the hallway, and stopped at a wooden set of stairs that spiraled up. "Ooh," she remarked, craning her neck up. "Very antique." Honey Petal just furrowed her brow, already beginning to make her way up the steps. Rarity trailed behind, ever so often glancing down in awe. As the neared a door at the top, Honey slowed. "Oh, Celestia, not again," she murmured. Rarity's ears perked up at the ruckus... fracus, coming from behind the door, loud enough to startle a Fluttershy. Honey, frowning, threw open the door with a burst of her magic. Rarity gaped, joining the caretaker over the threshold. "Oh my," she whispered. Scattered across the room and the many beds, ran at least 25 fillies, screaming and yelling and tumbling everywhere. But, they all seemed to be looking at something at the part of the room that was almost empty. "Emerald Joy!" Honey dashed into the room, falling down on her knees beside a bed against the wall. Rarity cocked an eyebrow, stepping after the mare. She heard the sounds of squeaky sobs. "I'm sorry, Mother!" the voice cried beneath the bed, scrabbling on the hardwood floor. "I'm sorry." Rarity's breath caught in her throat at the sound. She peered under the dangling sheets, the hushed voices of the fillies behind her. What she saw succeeded in tearing her heart out. Pushed against the wall was a tear-stained butter yellow colt, with emerald green hair and blue innocent eyes. All signs would have pointed to the fact that the little pony was a earth pony, except above his forehead sat a severed horn stump. Rarity, without even realizing what she was doing, rushed forward and embraced the sobbing colt in her warm arms.
Broken Gems"It's alright! It's alright!" Rarity soothed, gently rubbing the colt's shuddering back. Emerald, as she presumed, only cried harder, twisting in her grasp. "No!" he shouted, pushing away from her hooves. "I'm sorry!" Behind her, Honey hung her head. "Listen, Emerald Joy. You simply cannot do this every single time!" She scooted closer, bringing his quivering chin up to eye level. "Would you like to get a drink of water with..." she caught Rarity's troubled gaze. "With Miss Rarity here? While I go talk to those boys?" Emerald rubbed his face roughly, glancing up shyly at Rarity, who put on her best I'm-simply-a-kind-trustworthy-mare- smile. Reluctantly, and with a sniffle, he nodded. Honey clapped in delight. She turned to the fillies watching in curiosity. "Okay--Daisy stop eating that chair--everypony! Lunch will be served in a half hour, and until then I expect you to behave yourselves!" The foals all nodded in unison. Beckoning, Honey stepped out the door, making a sharp turn left down the hallway. Rarity watched, her ears flattened. She immediately perked up when she remembered Emerald. "Alright, sweetie," she cooed, trying not to let her eyes draw to his lack of a horn. "Let's go walk, shall we?" Emerald slowly got to his hooves, keeping his head down. " 'Kay," he mumbled. Rarity felt her chest squeeze at his forlorn expression. She turned around once more before closing the door, stopping in confusion. Muttering under her breath, she shook her head in disbelief. Rarity, the stress of this is getting to your head. Surely, there is not a small, orange face poking from out behind another filly. A *very familiar orange face.* Rarity blinked, and the face was gone. She rubbed her forehead, leading the small colt down the stairs. "So," she began, unconsciously making her voice a few octaves higher. She led the quiet Emerald down one step at a time. "What exactly was the problem, darling? Why were you sad?" She glanced down at the colt, offering a hoof. Emerald scrunched up his tiny muzzle. "It was those colts, again, Miss Rarity. Again. They is always being mean to me, and yelling, and hurting me." Rarity's mouth dropped open, and she stepped a bit closer to him. "Why ever would those bullies pick on such a sweet foal?" she exclaimed. Emerald pouted. "Because I'm just a weak baby that nopony is ever gonna want, and I'm so ugly and looking weird 'cause of my head," he rambled in his childish diction. "That's why." Rarity had grown pale as they reached the bottom of the winding staircase. Her blue eyes were wide in a feeling she couldn't quite describe. "That's just awful, Emerald!" Foals could be plain horrible. "I assure you that you are none of those things," she said kindly. Emerald didn't respond, and simply stumbled ahead of the unicorn. "I just wanna--I need to get some water. Mother said." He skidded to a halt by a drinking fountain, gulping as much water as he could. Emerald seemed to think that it could solve everything. When he pulled back up, his entire furry face was drenched, in which Rarity could only hope was all water. That poor dear. "Are you good now, darling?" she asked, backing up as he collapsed on the floor in a puddle of drinking water. "I don't know," he responded, rolling over. "Water helps." Rarity opened her mouth, only to be interrupted by a loud groan from upstairs. She whirled around, nearly slipping. Honey descended the stairs, her face contorted in exasperation. "I'm so sorry, Rarity. Thank you for watching Emerald," she said, catching up to her. Her glasses almost slipped off her nose. "I swear, those colts are driving me up the wall! The things they do to.." she pointed her grey hoof at the colt wallowing in the water. "It's simply upsetting." Rarity nodded, pressing her hooves together. "Oh, I know, Honey. The poor darling started to tell me about it! I cannot believe it!" she intoned. Honey just shook her head. "I'm sure they do it much more often, but about once a week, Emerald will sneak into the fillys' dorm just to get away from the bullies. I am thinking about removing him all together." Rarity furrowed her brow. "Have you ever thought about... punishing them, in a way they will remember? Perhaps skipping dinner?" she winced at her bluntness. Honey stiffened. "I could never! As much as they deserve it, it is against my morals and the orphanage code to starve the children," she admonished. Rarity flinched. "Wha? No, not starve! But you're absolutely correct, Honey. I--I just want to see him better," she said softly. Honey pushed her glasses up, sighing. "I've always wished that. But fate had other plans for Emerald Joy." she paused, leaning in a bit closer. "And yet, that's not even his real name." Rarity tilted her head, swallowing hard. "What do you mean?" The older mare pulled back suddenly. "Sugar?" she began. "Can you please go back upstairs? The adults need to discuss something." Emerald whimpered, wiping at his eyes, which only succeeded in getting more water in them. "But mother, they is gonna be there!" his voice broke. Honey looked pained. "Alright. You may go to the fillies' dorm. For now. But do not cause trouble, capiche?" Emerald nodded mutely, scrambling up and sprinting away. "Thank you, mother!" he cried out. Honey bowed her head, pulling up a chair. She brought one for Rarity, who sat down without a sound. She cleared her throat, taking off her hat, and placed it on the floor. "Rarity," she started. "Emerald... he has not had the best life. His parents; well, they called him many names, from what I could tell. But to Emerald, he went by It." Rarity's eyes dilated. "It?" she breathed, placing her arms over her chest. Honey pressed her lips together. "Rarity," she said quietly. "Would you like me to tell you a story?"
Reaching"Emerald Joy..." Honey's eyes flickered uncertainly, and she rubbed her face tiredly. "Celestia, he was one of the worst we've ever seen before." Rarity whipped her head back to the staircase, before meeting the older mare's gaze with a furrowed brow. "But, darling, he seems like an absolute delight! Certainly a kind-hearted child," she protested. Honey Petal shook her head, the faintest of smiles upon her lips. "Oh, yes, I know, Rarity. Emerald is just a sweet colt. You misunderstood. He was the worst cases," she said softly. Rarity took a deep breath, her violet curls falling over her forehead. "Oh, dear." Honey sighed, her eyes crinkling up like paper. "My workers, to say; the caretakers of my wonderful children, found him... in a cage. They had heard reports of screaming and frequent crying during the night from neighbors, and upon investigating, they were led to the house of the very colt," Honey said, focusing glassily off in the distance. "They found him trapped down in the basement, where there was nothing, nothing, but a rusty old cage, surrounded by empty darkness. They told me there was a 4-year-old little pony stuffed inside, the cage being so small his head was bowed down to the ground. And... and—" she chocked. Rarity squeezed her hooves together. "No," she breathed. Honey pressed her ears back. "He was hardly more than skin and bones. He couldn't speak, even when the caretakers broke him out. He had obviously been left there to die, after we found his mother passed out, intoxicated, on the couch upstairs. The worst part was his horn, as you saw. Luna, it was festering and bloody! Gone, and jagged, like a knife had sliced it off." Honey's weathered jaw clenched. "We spoke to his abusive mom, and she finally told that she had ripped it away by force because her son was sleep-teleporting. Sleep-teleporting!" Honey buried her face in her forelimbs with a gasp, soon followed to her side by Rarity. "That's horrible!" Rarity cried, finding that her cheeks were streaked with mascara. "I can't believe... that poor little baby!" Honey moaned. "I know, Rarity. I know. They took him home, and I fed him, bathed him, but Emerald never lost his fear, and his timidness. Because of his constant starvation, he grew very thin, and the colts won't stop harassing him! They won't listen to anything I say, and I can see he's hurting!" She leaned into Rarity's shoulder. "No pony takes him in. He's too unstable, too strange," she finished. For once in her life, the unicorn was silent. Her chest rose up and down rapidly. "Do you wish there was something you could do?" she whispered. Honey only nodded, weakly—a mother not able to save her child. Her hooves shook. Rarity closed her eyes. She felt faint, yet certain. "Honey, please get the papers." The older mare jerked up, her tears, those that would never go away, glistened on her fur. "Rarity..." Rarity gave a tight lipped smile. "Yes. I know what I'm doing," she said quietly. Honey swallowed hard, pushing herself up. "Do you really mean it? Bless you, my angel, he needs someone like you so desperately! I know you were generous, but, Rarity, this is..." Rarity shook her head. "No, Honey, this isn't my generosity shining through. Just a little bit of love." A swift wind carried the scent of flowers and warm sunshine, as Rarity trailed carefully down the dirt path. Her heart pounded erratically. Gems, is he alright? Behind her stumbled the butter-yellow colt, his eyes wide in fear whenever she looked back. He had refuesed to talk, or even walk beside Rarity to his new home. Emerald's hooves skidded around in the dust, taking in every sight and sound he sensed. "Emerald Joy?" she asked, trying to keep her voice level. The colt squeaked in response, seeming to have a heart attack. Rarity frowned, swallowing away her tears. Leaving the orphanage had been... interesting, to say the least. The boys and caused a fuss, calling him horrid names, and scrambling to Rarity's side to ask to be adopted instead. The fillies had only cried, yet Honey had assured they did that every time. Emerald didn't want to leave, and that was quite clear. Despite his torture from his peers, he loved 'Mother' dearly, and it almost broke Rarity's heart. She shot a worried glance over her shoulder again, before taking note that they had already arrived at her boutique. She forced a smile. "Alright, Emerald! Home sweet...home?" She trailed off when she realized the colt had vanished, and that the bushes near by were rustling suspiciously. "Oh, this'll be fun." Sighing with effort, Rarity managed to heave the squirming colt onto the sofa, and stood back. "There, darling. It's alright. See, my house's nice, is it not?" she asked, sweat pouring down her forehead. Emerald flipped himself upside down on the cushions, sniffing. "It-it looks scary," he squealed, hiding his face. Rarity tilted her head. "It is? I assure you, it is completely safe." She sat down on the couch, reaching out to pat Emerald on the shoulder. Instead of accepting her touch, the colt shied away, his breaths coming out fast and short. "No, no!" he cried, pushing away. Rarity's hoof fell, as well as her smile. "But-but I thought you liked me!" Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. Had she scared the little kid? Emerald whimpered. "No, uh, you're okay, Miss Rarity," he said, hardly above a whisper. "But Mother's not here, she was with me before. To protect me! She's gone now! I wanna go home!" he wailed. Rarity bit her lip. "You are home, darling!" she said, resisting the urge to hug him. Emerald's lip quivered. "I'm not! I-I —" he broke down, his tears coming heavy. Rarity flinched. Before she could react, he dived past her, sprinting towards Sweetie's bedroom and slamming the door. Rarity stared after him, the warmth already leaving the cushions. Slowly, she stood up, and headed to the freezer. A night with a tub of Vanilla Oat's Swirl didn't seem so bad.
