Mother of the Enemyby RedroseheartChaptersChild of an element A choiceTelling the othersJust getting startedChild of an element Child of an element Slowly a set of dark shadowy figures emerged from the bleak void that was the darkened foliage of the Everfree Forest, carefully they stalked a small cottage as something whimpered in the night, "Shh child..." A soft loving voice began, "we are almost there." One of the figures whispered as she cradled the small foal in her hooves. Nearing the cottage the pair looked around to ensure no living thing had spotted or was watching them, "Are you sure this is a good idea?" The taller figure inquired with a hint of worry in his voice, as he placed a hoof on the shoulder of his companion. A feeling of regret over took her but she was adamant in her choice as she placed the infant upon the porch, "This is the best thing we can do for him." She replied trying to fight the tears that flowed like a stream. Walking back to the dark void of the forest she looked back at her foal, only a silent prayer left her lips as she hoped for the best. ~*~ Gently as a summer breeze a yellow mare crept down the stairs, each step she hesitated trying not to wake the critters who slept in her home. Though the stairs were relatively new, some of the boards were in need of replacement. Every so often one would let out a loud creek, the mare would pause for a moment and look at the small animals. The occasional movement caused by deep dreams was all she noticed from them. Looking towards the door of her home she noticed a faint shadow blocking the entrance just at the foot of the door. She knew there was no storm that night, but was well aware of the breeze that passed by every so often in the night. For a moment she assumed some old fallen leaves or somepony's news paper rested there. Her assumption was brought short as she heard a tapping at the door, "Who could it be at this hour?" She inquired slowly making her way across the room. Each step she took worried that she would disturb the little ones in her home. As she neared the door she hesitantly reached up as her fears began rise, each second brought a new fear as to what lie just beyond the hard heavy wood. Her only bit of protection other than the critters who rested behind her. Barely opening the door she peeked out through the crack to look around, "H-hello?" No life beyond what she could see. The dark calm night was all that awaited her with a star filled sky and crescent moon. Letting out a faint sigh she began to close the door, only stop and gasp at the cooing sound that came from the ground. Throwing the door open she looked down at the basket that rested upon her porch. Pulling back the cover a little she let out a loving sigh, "Aren't you adorable." Stepping out of her home she looked around, "Where did you come from little one?" No pony in sight for miles, and the Everfree only a few yards away. She did the only thing she could, "Why don't you come inside, it's much too dangerous for you to be out there alone." The infant let out a loving coo as it looked up at the mare. ~*~ Entering her kitchen, Fluttershy turned on the light to behold who now lay in her care. Looking back she was startled to see the bug like eyes, the black body with green outer shell on its back. All of it down to the holes in its hooves and horn shouted to Fluttershy, it was a changeling. It's tiny wings fluttered a bit as it's hooves reached out while it cooed, "Aww... aren't you so adorable." Fluttershy knew the dangers this foal presented, but as young as it was she couldn't help but be overcome with her natural feelings for it. Picking up the foal she cradled it allowing the infant to feed off of her love. The sensation she felt wasn't as painful or mind numbing as Shining armor explained it to be. From this little one it felt warm and caring, and though she knew the objections she would get. Fluttershy hummed a small tune as she rocked the little one to sleep, "You're going to be alright." The little one feed of her love till it was full. Listening to the softly sweet song it's eyes grew heavy as it enjoyed the gentle rocking motion. As it yawned Fluttershy watched as those bug eyes slowly closed, in the final moment she felt it nuzzling her chest enjoying her warm soft fur. Fluttershy gently laid the foal back down in the basket it had arrived in. Pulling the cover over it to keep it warm, she soon felt the foal's tiny hooves upon her muzzle. Even in it's deep sleep, the foal wanted to remain in her loving hooves. Carefully wiggling out of the little one's hold, Fluttershy smiled at how cute and loving it was. Turning her back for a moment she dug around in her fridge for a simple snack, "Now then..." She whispered pulling out half a sandwich, "I wonder what shall I name you." Pondering over the thought she poked around the basket a little. There wasn't a note, nor had there been one outside where she first saw the little foal. And even cradling it she didn't see a name bracelet on it's leg. Finishing her sandwich she soon carried the infant and the basket up stairs, "I'll come up with something in the morning." She whispered as she entered her bedroom, "For now let us get some rest." Nuzzling the little one as she laid the basket down in her bed. She watched as the infant smiled at her faint touch. Laying down next to foal a question still plagued her mind. Who left this foal out there, and why did they do so with out a note? 'Answers for another time.' She thought as her eyes slowly closed as she drifted off to sleep. A choiceAs the sun began to rise the following morning the ears of the young foal twitched in time. Keeping rhythm of the happy song the birds were tweeting. Gently Fluttershy lifted the infant out of the basket as she yawned from a lack of sleep from the night before. Her mind had been racing with questions she hope to ignore till she spoke with her friends. But the thought of bringing an infant changeling to them, let alone through the town, only made her mind race with more questions. As well as fill her with a bit of fear of what everypony might try to do. Would they accept the foal though it was a changeling? Would she be shunned for taking him in and caring for him? Would her friends demand that she get rid of him, leaving him to fend for himself? Fluttershy didn't want to face the worst that would come from taking him through the town. Holding him close to herself she floated into a rocking chair. As she rocked back and forth trying to think of what to do, she felt the infant nuzzle her chest as it yawned. Slowly it's eyes began to open as it gave a toothless smile, "Hello there sleepy head." Fluttershy greeted him with a warm loving smile. In that moment she didn't care what anypony thought. As she rocked him she felt the same feeling from last night from when he last fed. "Oh..." Though she had felt it before it was still rather strange to her, "well you do need to eat." As the infant finished it yawned once more as it nuzzled her before falling back asleep. Looking around Fluttershy found an old scarf Rarity had made for her. It was far too long and thick to wear most days even in the fall. Wrapping it around herself, she soon turned to the infant and laid him with in the scarf. It wasn't a naturally made one, but a decent sling for her to carry him around in as she took care of some outside chores. ~*~ It was a wonderful Spring morning. The dew on the ground glistened in the early morning light. A good distance from her cottage Fluttershy could see the early morning fog that often came in. A gentle breeze greeted her as it passed through the area. Grabbing her canteen she walked towards the outdoor water pump at the end of her home. She was careful as she both pumped and filled the canteen with water, hoping she didn't wake the little one she carried in the sling. Occasionally he would yawn letting out a faint squeal like most infants do. Walking down the dirt path with the canteen in her mouth, she hummed as she gently rocked the foal. Starting with her garden patch Fluttershy raked up the leaves that had fallen, along with some other refuse that some how managed to get into the garden. Looking over to her watering pitcher she saw that it had collected some of the morning dew. Gently she spread the water across the garden, ensuring that she tended to the tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and cabbage. Of the batch some appeared to be ready, but she felt it was best to wait till Applejack came by with more seeds to take any of them. Tending to the hen house Fluttershy gathered what few eggs there were, as she tidied up their little nests. As she left the hen house she heard the infant cooing as it sighed, "Why hello there, did you have a nice nap?" He reached out for Fluttershy with a smile. Raising her hoof she let him hold it between his tiny hooves. He giggle a little as Fluttershy wiggled her hoof in his grasp. Before long his attention was captivated by a butterfly gently floating towards him. He stared at the tiny creature as it soon landed on his nose. The moment was brought to an abrupt end as the infant sneezed at the butterfly. Though Fluttershy giggled at the cute little moment, his eyes slowly started to water up from the loos of his new friend, "Oh there, there..." Fluttershy rocked him trying to keep him calm, "it's alright, I'm sure he'll be back before too long." ~*~ Finishing the last of her tasks, Fluttershy felt the foal growing fussy. To her it was a clear sign he needed another nap, but was refusing to go to sleep. Regardless of how long she cradled and sang to him. Going back into her cottage she pulled one of the many children's books off the shelf. Each one she had carefully picked out over the years for her animals, each one for a different reason to help them sleep. Stormy nights, restless nights, even when they had their own little nightmares and were to scared to go back to sleep. Pulling him out of the sling as she sat in a rocking chair, Fluttershy opened the book showing the little foal a picture of somepony Clearing her throat she began, "Once upon a time there lived a young farmer to tended to the land. Galant was his name, and oh so cheerful was he. His harvest was grand, the flock he cared for all wandering the land." Turning the page she gently rocked in the chair watching how he stared at the images on the pages. For a time she continued reading about the area he lived, "Then one day he was approached by a traveler carrying many kinds of wares. The traveler spoke unto him with a cheerful glee, 'I have traveled the world seeking out those who are in need. You my fine stallion, yes you there indeed are in quite good need.' He shouted his voice echoing around them, 'But I have what you seek, yes I do indeed.' He pulled from his wagon a sword none had ever seen, 'I give this to you, for it is what you need.'" The young foal smiled at how the sword seemed to shine even in just the art itself, almost as if it was alive before him. He let out a bit of gibberish as he patted the image of the sword with his hoof. Fluttershy giggled as he looked up at her, "That's right, that sword is very special. See, even the traveler says it is." She continued to read, "The Galant turned down the sword saying he was a farmer not a soldier and suggested the traveler take it into town. Alas the traveler chuckled as he waved his hand, 'Give it to those children who know not their own loyalties I think not. This sword was forged through ancient magic. A hero much like yourself gave up his own soul to the metal so that only one like himself my wield it, adding a few drops of dragons blood and runes to seal it. This blade cannot harm a living thing, and yet it is the most powerful weapon in all the world. Take it young hero as it was always yours since you were born.' Having the sword forced into his hooves Galant looked up only to find the traveler was gone." Turning the page Fluttershy heard him yawn as he snuggled against her chest. Slowly she rocked as she continued the story. A few pages in the infant began to dream that he was the farmer with that sword, and how it was used to vanquish evil. As he slept Fluttershy set down the book and carried him up to her room. Gently she laid him down in the basket covering him up as he let out an exhausted coo. Giving him a little kiss she whispered, 'Sleep well little one.' Sneaking out of her own room she went back down stairs to clean what little required it. Author's Note I would like to thank my editor for coming up with the story Fluttershy was reading, :) I had a hard time with this one a little bit... ~ Rosie Telling the othersIt wasn't long before she finished cleaning her home, and it would still be a few days before she needed to go into the local market for anything. Going back upstairs she checked on the young foal to ensure he was alright. He let out coos and faint gasps as he moved around a little in the basket. Smiling at him Fluttershy soon noticed the time, 'Oh dear...' She mouthed, careful not to wake him. She was running late for tea with her friends she quietly paced around the room trying to figure out what to do. She wanted to stay home and care for him, but knew if she didn't show up her friends would think something was wrong. But she couldn't leave him here by himself, even if the little critters did help her it wouldn't be right. She whimpered a little knowing how the last encounter with the changelings didn't go so well. Who was she kidding, they tried to take over Equestria. But in her heart she knew he was different, despite the fact he was an infant. Taking a deep breath she sighed as she came to terms with the fact she would have to take him along. Covering the basket with a thin blanket, Fluttershy picked up the basket and made her way out the door. As she walked down the dirt path she heard him uttering gibberish baby talk. Peeking under the cloth she saw he was talking in his sleep. A smile crept across her face as she continued along. Her smile was both in worry of him being found out by a crowd and the warm feeling she got from caring for him. Walking through the square she blushed as she looked at her hooves. She hoped no pony asked abut the basket she carried, or that she went unnoticed as she passed through the town. As she walked she peeked under the cloth once more, "Just a little longer and we are there." She whispered to the sleeping foal. ~*~ Reaching the door to the friendship castle, Fluttershy soon realized that maybe bringing the foal was a bad idea. Her mind raced with questions as she hesitated with the handle in her hoof. What if he started crying, what if he wanted to be held or fed, all of these on top of the main issue. The problems with the changelings during the wedding a few years ago, Twilight might start asking questions and try to find the hive. With a sad sigh Fluttershy turned around to start walking back home. "Hey Fluttershy! what'cha doing?" Fluttershy squeaked at the sound of her friend Pinkie Pie and turned around as she jumped. "What's in the cloth?" Rainbow Dash asked landing next to the frightened Fluttershy. "Oh, um," Fluttershy let of another squeak "nothing really..." She hoped to keep him a secret a little while longer, at least till she could properly explain how and why she now had him. "Are there cupcakes in there!" The Pink earth pony asked excitedly as she began jumping up and down. Fluttershy squeaked with fear while hoping her friend’s hyper attitude would not wake the baby. As Fluttershy tried to hold off Pinkie from looking under the blanket, Rainbow Dash came over and slowly began pulling her back. "I am sure that it is a surprise Pinkie," Rainbow Dash said with a smirk as the pink ball of boundless energy wiggled and struggled in her hooves, "let’s just wait and see what it is okay." "OK!" Pinkie Pie said happily hopping out of Rainbow’s grasp and back into the castle "come on girls! we have a tea party to get to!" Dash rolled her eyes as she followed Pinkie, brushing off the fact she had slipped through her hooves. Almost as if either they or her were covered in oil, “You coming Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked as she looked back catching her peeking into the basket. “Hmm…” Fluttershy perked up while looking around hoping no one saw the infant, “oh… yes, just making sure everything is alright.” She nervously responded while motioning her hoof for Rainbow Dash to go on ahead of her. ~*~ Once inside Fluttershy set the basket on the table in front of her seat as she slowly slid into place, looking up to see her friends all watching she noticed a few things. Among them was Pinkie Pie's eyes and how gigantic they had become, it was as if she was about to explode waiting for the surprise. Just like a foal overly excited and eager to open their gifts on their birthday or in the early hours of Hearths Warming day, regardless which occasion it only made Fluttershy worry as she locked eyes with her. Breaking the faint tension Twilight gave a warm smile as she poured the first cup of tea, "So how have you been Fluttershy?" The purple alicorn asked while levitating the teapot over to Fluttershy, carefully filling her cup as the pot was moved around the table. "Oh everything has been fine Twilight," Fluttershy nervously stated as she looked over at the basket hoping the foal would stay quiet, "I just have a um, small, problem." Fluttershy said as she began to fidget with her hooves, with each small thought slowly began to grow. Each one focused on how she was going to tell her friends all about her new life as a mother. Could she even tell them, would they even accept the foal she chose to take under her care? But her biggest worry was if the little one would be accepted later on in life as he grew older, she was uncertain about the answers but she knew one thing. Regardless of what came next or even later in life, Fluttershy had come to love the foal as if he was her own son. Fluttershy slowly looked at her friends noticing each one had a concerned look on their face "Yesterday…” She sighed as she presented the basket to them, “I found a foal on my doorstep." Before Fluttershy could say anything else a small noise came from the basket. Twilight gave Fluttershy a bewildered look before she levitated the blanket off the Whimpering foal, as the blanket fell onto the table every pony slowly began to peek at what lay inside. There was a small gasp from her friends as they looked at the little changeling, all of them were shocked at first to see one as young as he was. As he yawned he whimpered a little from seeing so many new faces all at once. Fluttershy couldn’t help but pick him up as she faintly shushed him, “I don’t know who put him at my doorstep, or even why they left him there.” She explained while gently rocking back and forth, “I’ve only cared for him for about a day so far, and after all of this I want to keep him. He’s no trouble at all beyond the occasional fuss here and there.” “But what about feeding him?” Rainbow Dash asked with a bewildered expression as she watched Fluttershy pat the foal on his back. “She is right.” Twilight chimed in as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, “Feeding him could be a problem. We all know that changelings feed on love, and we all saw what happened to my brother when Chrysalis fed off of him.” Everypony nodded in agreement as they faintly talked among themselves. “Well that’s just it…” Fluttershy smiled as she explained, “he’s been feeding on my love for him. And it hasn’t been affecting me in the slightest.” Patting him on the back they soon heard him burp, “Maybe it’s different for infants?” Twilight let out a worried groan as she rubbed the back of her head, “Well we can’t rule out the possibilities of what could happen.” Twilight sighed as she looked at Fluttershy’s longing expression to keep the foal, “Just be careful alright, we will each come by every so often to make sure you’re alright. And if there’s any small change to your current condition that any of us notice, then we will have to take the foal away from you. Are you alright with that?” Fluttershy could only whimper as she snuggled the foal, “Only so long as any of you can notice a difference?” She asked getting a simple nod from Twilight, “Oh~...” She sighed not wanting to make such a choice. Author's Note sorry for the long wait on this new chapter, loves, I have been busy for a bit and I can only write a small amount and send it to my editor because I have no idea what to put next. I am also really surprised ya'll love my story so much I mean, I had no idea it would have 74+ likes... I did not think any of my stories would have THAT much likes... it is a surprise to me, and I am honored that ya'll love it and are reading it! thank ya'll so much! I love you all! Just getting startedSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Child of an element Child of an element Slowly a set of dark shadowy figures emerged from the bleak void that was the darkened foliage of the Everfree Forest, carefully they stalked a small cottage as something whimpered in the night, "Shh child..." A soft loving voice began, "we are almost there." One of the figures whispered as she cradled the small foal in her hooves. Nearing the cottage the pair looked around to ensure no living thing had spotted or was watching them, "Are you sure this is a good idea?" The taller figure inquired with a hint of worry in his voice, as he placed a hoof on the shoulder of his companion. A feeling of regret over took her but she was adamant in her choice as she placed the infant upon the porch, "This is the best thing we can do for him." She replied trying to fight the tears that flowed like a stream. Walking back to the dark void of the forest she looked back at her foal, only a silent prayer left her lips as she hoped for the best. ~*~ Gently as a summer breeze a yellow mare crept down the stairs, each step she hesitated trying not to wake the critters who slept in her home. Though the stairs were relatively new, some of the boards were in need of replacement. Every so often one would let out a loud creek, the mare would pause for a moment and look at the small animals. The occasional movement caused by deep dreams was all she noticed from them. Looking towards the door of her home she noticed a faint shadow blocking the entrance just at the foot of the door. She knew there was no storm that night, but was well aware of the breeze that passed by every so often in the night. For a moment she assumed some old fallen leaves or somepony's news paper rested there. Her assumption was brought short as she heard a tapping at the door, "Who could it be at this hour?" She inquired slowly making her way across the room. Each step she took worried that she would disturb the little ones in her home. As she neared the door she hesitantly reached up as her fears began rise, each second brought a new fear as to what lie just beyond the hard heavy wood. Her only bit of protection other than the critters who rested behind her. Barely opening the door she peeked out through the crack to look around, "H-hello?" No life beyond what she could see. The dark calm night was all that awaited her with a star filled sky and crescent moon. Letting out a faint sigh she began to close the door, only stop and gasp at the cooing sound that came from the ground. Throwing the door open she looked down at the basket that rested upon her porch. Pulling back the cover a little she let out a loving sigh, "Aren't you adorable." Stepping out of her home she looked around, "Where did you come from little one?" No pony in sight for miles, and the Everfree only a few yards away. She did the only thing she could, "Why don't you come inside, it's much too dangerous for you to be out there alone." The infant let out a loving coo as it looked up at the mare. ~*~ Entering her kitchen, Fluttershy turned on the light to behold who now lay in her care. Looking back she was startled to see the bug like eyes, the black body with green outer shell on its back. All of it down to the holes in its hooves and horn shouted to Fluttershy, it was a changeling. It's tiny wings fluttered a bit as it's hooves reached out while it cooed, "Aww... aren't you so adorable." Fluttershy knew the dangers this foal presented, but as young as it was she couldn't help but be overcome with her natural feelings for it. Picking up the foal she cradled it allowing the infant to feed off of her love. The sensation she felt wasn't as painful or mind numbing as Shining armor explained it to be. From this little one it felt warm and caring, and though she knew the objections she would get. Fluttershy hummed a small tune as she rocked the little one to sleep, "You're going to be alright." The little one feed of her love till it was full. Listening to the softly sweet song it's eyes grew heavy as it enjoyed the gentle rocking motion. As it yawned Fluttershy watched as those bug eyes slowly closed, in the final moment she felt it nuzzling her chest enjoying her warm soft fur. Fluttershy gently laid the foal back down in the basket it had arrived in. Pulling the cover over it to keep it warm, she soon felt the foal's tiny hooves upon her muzzle. Even in it's deep sleep, the foal wanted to remain in her loving hooves. Carefully wiggling out of the little one's hold, Fluttershy smiled at how cute and loving it was. Turning her back for a moment she dug around in her fridge for a simple snack, "Now then..." She whispered pulling out half a sandwich, "I wonder what shall I name you." Pondering over the thought she poked around the basket a little. There wasn't a note, nor had there been one outside where she first saw the little foal. And even cradling it she didn't see a name bracelet on it's leg. Finishing her sandwich she soon carried the infant and the basket up stairs, "I'll come up with something in the morning." She whispered as she entered her bedroom, "For now let us get some rest." Nuzzling the little one as she laid the basket down in her bed. She watched as the infant smiled at her faint touch. Laying down next to foal a question still plagued her mind. Who left this foal out there, and why did they do so with out a note? 'Answers for another time.' She thought as her eyes slowly closed as she drifted off to sleep.
A choiceAs the sun began to rise the following morning the ears of the young foal twitched in time. Keeping rhythm of the happy song the birds were tweeting. Gently Fluttershy lifted the infant out of the basket as she yawned from a lack of sleep from the night before. Her mind had been racing with questions she hope to ignore till she spoke with her friends. But the thought of bringing an infant changeling to them, let alone through the town, only made her mind race with more questions. As well as fill her with a bit of fear of what everypony might try to do. Would they accept the foal though it was a changeling? Would she be shunned for taking him in and caring for him? Would her friends demand that she get rid of him, leaving him to fend for himself? Fluttershy didn't want to face the worst that would come from taking him through the town. Holding him close to herself she floated into a rocking chair. As she rocked back and forth trying to think of what to do, she felt the infant nuzzle her chest as it yawned. Slowly it's eyes began to open as it gave a toothless smile, "Hello there sleepy head." Fluttershy greeted him with a warm loving smile. In that moment she didn't care what anypony thought. As she rocked him she felt the same feeling from last night from when he last fed. "Oh..." Though she had felt it before it was still rather strange to her, "well you do need to eat." As the infant finished it yawned once more as it nuzzled her before falling back asleep. Looking around Fluttershy found an old scarf Rarity had made for her. It was far too long and thick to wear most days even in the fall. Wrapping it around herself, she soon turned to the infant and laid him with in the scarf. It wasn't a naturally made one, but a decent sling for her to carry him around in as she took care of some outside chores. ~*~ It was a wonderful Spring morning. The dew on the ground glistened in the early morning light. A good distance from her cottage Fluttershy could see the early morning fog that often came in. A gentle breeze greeted her as it passed through the area. Grabbing her canteen she walked towards the outdoor water pump at the end of her home. She was careful as she both pumped and filled the canteen with water, hoping she didn't wake the little one she carried in the sling. Occasionally he would yawn letting out a faint squeal like most infants do. Walking down the dirt path with the canteen in her mouth, she hummed as she gently rocked the foal. Starting with her garden patch Fluttershy raked up the leaves that had fallen, along with some other refuse that some how managed to get into the garden. Looking over to her watering pitcher she saw that it had collected some of the morning dew. Gently she spread the water across the garden, ensuring that she tended to the tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and cabbage. Of the batch some appeared to be ready, but she felt it was best to wait till Applejack came by with more seeds to take any of them. Tending to the hen house Fluttershy gathered what few eggs there were, as she tidied up their little nests. As she left the hen house she heard the infant cooing as it sighed, "Why hello there, did you have a nice nap?" He reached out for Fluttershy with a smile. Raising her hoof she let him hold it between his tiny hooves. He giggle a little as Fluttershy wiggled her hoof in his grasp. Before long his attention was captivated by a butterfly gently floating towards him. He stared at the tiny creature as it soon landed on his nose. The moment was brought to an abrupt end as the infant sneezed at the butterfly. Though Fluttershy giggled at the cute little moment, his eyes slowly started to water up from the loos of his new friend, "Oh there, there..." Fluttershy rocked him trying to keep him calm, "it's alright, I'm sure he'll be back before too long." ~*~ Finishing the last of her tasks, Fluttershy felt the foal growing fussy. To her it was a clear sign he needed another nap, but was refusing to go to sleep. Regardless of how long she cradled and sang to him. Going back into her cottage she pulled one of the many children's books off the shelf. Each one she had carefully picked out over the years for her animals, each one for a different reason to help them sleep. Stormy nights, restless nights, even when they had their own little nightmares and were to scared to go back to sleep. Pulling him out of the sling as she sat in a rocking chair, Fluttershy opened the book showing the little foal a picture of somepony Clearing her throat she began, "Once upon a time there lived a young farmer to tended to the land. Galant was his name, and oh so cheerful was he. His harvest was grand, the flock he cared for all wandering the land." Turning the page she gently rocked in the chair watching how he stared at the images on the pages. For a time she continued reading about the area he lived, "Then one day he was approached by a traveler carrying many kinds of wares. The traveler spoke unto him with a cheerful glee, 'I have traveled the world seeking out those who are in need. You my fine stallion, yes you there indeed are in quite good need.' He shouted his voice echoing around them, 'But I have what you seek, yes I do indeed.' He pulled from his wagon a sword none had ever seen, 'I give this to you, for it is what you need.'" The young foal smiled at how the sword seemed to shine even in just the art itself, almost as if it was alive before him. He let out a bit of gibberish as he patted the image of the sword with his hoof. Fluttershy giggled as he looked up at her, "That's right, that sword is very special. See, even the traveler says it is." She continued to read, "The Galant turned down the sword saying he was a farmer not a soldier and suggested the traveler take it into town. Alas the traveler chuckled as he waved his hand, 'Give it to those children who know not their own loyalties I think not. This sword was forged through ancient magic. A hero much like yourself gave up his own soul to the metal so that only one like himself my wield it, adding a few drops of dragons blood and runes to seal it. This blade cannot harm a living thing, and yet it is the most powerful weapon in all the world. Take it young hero as it was always yours since you were born.' Having the sword forced into his hooves Galant looked up only to find the traveler was gone." Turning the page Fluttershy heard him yawn as he snuggled against her chest. Slowly she rocked as she continued the story. A few pages in the infant began to dream that he was the farmer with that sword, and how it was used to vanquish evil. As he slept Fluttershy set down the book and carried him up to her room. Gently she laid him down in the basket covering him up as he let out an exhausted coo. Giving him a little kiss she whispered, 'Sleep well little one.' Sneaking out of her own room she went back down stairs to clean what little required it. Author's Note I would like to thank my editor for coming up with the story Fluttershy was reading, :) I had a hard time with this one a little bit... ~ Rosie
Telling the othersIt wasn't long before she finished cleaning her home, and it would still be a few days before she needed to go into the local market for anything. Going back upstairs she checked on the young foal to ensure he was alright. He let out coos and faint gasps as he moved around a little in the basket. Smiling at him Fluttershy soon noticed the time, 'Oh dear...' She mouthed, careful not to wake him. She was running late for tea with her friends she quietly paced around the room trying to figure out what to do. She wanted to stay home and care for him, but knew if she didn't show up her friends would think something was wrong. But she couldn't leave him here by himself, even if the little critters did help her it wouldn't be right. She whimpered a little knowing how the last encounter with the changelings didn't go so well. Who was she kidding, they tried to take over Equestria. But in her heart she knew he was different, despite the fact he was an infant. Taking a deep breath she sighed as she came to terms with the fact she would have to take him along. Covering the basket with a thin blanket, Fluttershy picked up the basket and made her way out the door. As she walked down the dirt path she heard him uttering gibberish baby talk. Peeking under the cloth she saw he was talking in his sleep. A smile crept across her face as she continued along. Her smile was both in worry of him being found out by a crowd and the warm feeling she got from caring for him. Walking through the square she blushed as she looked at her hooves. She hoped no pony asked abut the basket she carried, or that she went unnoticed as she passed through the town. As she walked she peeked under the cloth once more, "Just a little longer and we are there." She whispered to the sleeping foal. ~*~ Reaching the door to the friendship castle, Fluttershy soon realized that maybe bringing the foal was a bad idea. Her mind raced with questions as she hesitated with the handle in her hoof. What if he started crying, what if he wanted to be held or fed, all of these on top of the main issue. The problems with the changelings during the wedding a few years ago, Twilight might start asking questions and try to find the hive. With a sad sigh Fluttershy turned around to start walking back home. "Hey Fluttershy! what'cha doing?" Fluttershy squeaked at the sound of her friend Pinkie Pie and turned around as she jumped. "What's in the cloth?" Rainbow Dash asked landing next to the frightened Fluttershy. "Oh, um," Fluttershy let of another squeak "nothing really..." She hoped to keep him a secret a little while longer, at least till she could properly explain how and why she now had him. "Are there cupcakes in there!" The Pink earth pony asked excitedly as she began jumping up and down. Fluttershy squeaked with fear while hoping her friend’s hyper attitude would not wake the baby. As Fluttershy tried to hold off Pinkie from looking under the blanket, Rainbow Dash came over and slowly began pulling her back. "I am sure that it is a surprise Pinkie," Rainbow Dash said with a smirk as the pink ball of boundless energy wiggled and struggled in her hooves, "let’s just wait and see what it is okay." "OK!" Pinkie Pie said happily hopping out of Rainbow’s grasp and back into the castle "come on girls! we have a tea party to get to!" Dash rolled her eyes as she followed Pinkie, brushing off the fact she had slipped through her hooves. Almost as if either they or her were covered in oil, “You coming Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked as she looked back catching her peeking into the basket. “Hmm…” Fluttershy perked up while looking around hoping no one saw the infant, “oh… yes, just making sure everything is alright.” She nervously responded while motioning her hoof for Rainbow Dash to go on ahead of her. ~*~ Once inside Fluttershy set the basket on the table in front of her seat as she slowly slid into place, looking up to see her friends all watching she noticed a few things. Among them was Pinkie Pie's eyes and how gigantic they had become, it was as if she was about to explode waiting for the surprise. Just like a foal overly excited and eager to open their gifts on their birthday or in the early hours of Hearths Warming day, regardless which occasion it only made Fluttershy worry as she locked eyes with her. Breaking the faint tension Twilight gave a warm smile as she poured the first cup of tea, "So how have you been Fluttershy?" The purple alicorn asked while levitating the teapot over to Fluttershy, carefully filling her cup as the pot was moved around the table. "Oh everything has been fine Twilight," Fluttershy nervously stated as she looked over at the basket hoping the foal would stay quiet, "I just have a um, small, problem." Fluttershy said as she began to fidget with her hooves, with each small thought slowly began to grow. Each one focused on how she was going to tell her friends all about her new life as a mother. Could she even tell them, would they even accept the foal she chose to take under her care? But her biggest worry was if the little one would be accepted later on in life as he grew older, she was uncertain about the answers but she knew one thing. Regardless of what came next or even later in life, Fluttershy had come to love the foal as if he was her own son. Fluttershy slowly looked at her friends noticing each one had a concerned look on their face "Yesterday…” She sighed as she presented the basket to them, “I found a foal on my doorstep." Before Fluttershy could say anything else a small noise came from the basket. Twilight gave Fluttershy a bewildered look before she levitated the blanket off the Whimpering foal, as the blanket fell onto the table every pony slowly began to peek at what lay inside. There was a small gasp from her friends as they looked at the little changeling, all of them were shocked at first to see one as young as he was. As he yawned he whimpered a little from seeing so many new faces all at once. Fluttershy couldn’t help but pick him up as she faintly shushed him, “I don’t know who put him at my doorstep, or even why they left him there.” She explained while gently rocking back and forth, “I’ve only cared for him for about a day so far, and after all of this I want to keep him. He’s no trouble at all beyond the occasional fuss here and there.” “But what about feeding him?” Rainbow Dash asked with a bewildered expression as she watched Fluttershy pat the foal on his back. “She is right.” Twilight chimed in as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, “Feeding him could be a problem. We all know that changelings feed on love, and we all saw what happened to my brother when Chrysalis fed off of him.” Everypony nodded in agreement as they faintly talked among themselves. “Well that’s just it…” Fluttershy smiled as she explained, “he’s been feeding on my love for him. And it hasn’t been affecting me in the slightest.” Patting him on the back they soon heard him burp, “Maybe it’s different for infants?” Twilight let out a worried groan as she rubbed the back of her head, “Well we can’t rule out the possibilities of what could happen.” Twilight sighed as she looked at Fluttershy’s longing expression to keep the foal, “Just be careful alright, we will each come by every so often to make sure you’re alright. And if there’s any small change to your current condition that any of us notice, then we will have to take the foal away from you. Are you alright with that?” Fluttershy could only whimper as she snuggled the foal, “Only so long as any of you can notice a difference?” She asked getting a simple nod from Twilight, “Oh~...” She sighed not wanting to make such a choice. Author's Note sorry for the long wait on this new chapter, loves, I have been busy for a bit and I can only write a small amount and send it to my editor because I have no idea what to put next. I am also really surprised ya'll love my story so much I mean, I had no idea it would have 74+ likes... I did not think any of my stories would have THAT much likes... it is a surprise to me, and I am honored that ya'll love it and are reading it! thank ya'll so much! I love you all!
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