//------------------------------// // Episode 34: A New Chapter Opens // Story: Sarah's Adventure's in Equestria // by Zipp Storm //------------------------------// I was walking back to my castle in the freezing rain. The rain didn’t bother me, in fact, I loved it. “Ahh, nothing like some rain to make you feel good.” Now I know, rain usually makes people sad, but for me it makes me happy. I loved to play in it when my dad let me. I was busy skipping in the streets when I passed an alleyway and heard a small whimper. I stopped and froze for a moment. I went to the mouth of the alleyway. “Hello…?” I called. I didn’t hear a response, except for a whimper again. I carefully walked down the alleyway, following the whimpering sounds and I came to a dumpster. I looked behind it and saw a small cardboard box. I looked inside the box and gasped. Inside was a small filly. It was pure white with a light pink and aquamarine mane and tail. It’s body looked really dirty and she was curled up in a ball whimpering but what mostly shocked me was that the filly wasn’t a unicorn, pegasus or earth pony. It was an alicorn! “Oh my god.” I whispered. The filly must have heard me because it opened its eyes and gave a small scream. “Oh… it’s alright.” I cooed. The little filly whimpered and started shaking and not just because of the freezing rain. I approached the box and kneeled down. “I’m not gonna hurt you.” I added. The filly stopped shaking but instead she shakily got up on her hooves. That’s when I heard a loud gurgle from the little one’s stomach. “Oh dear, you must be starving.” The filly whimpered and shakily walked over to me and buried her head in my chest, whimpering. “Oh, come here.” I carefully picked the little filly into my arms and I partly covered her with my jacket. I quickly rushed to the castle and closed the door. Winter, Moonshine and Storm approached me and immediately noticed my little addition. I placed the filly on the floor. “Are you hungry, sweetheart?” The filly’s stomach did the talking for her by letting out a loud gurgle. “I’ll take that as a yes.” I replied with a smile, “I’ll go in the kitchen and make you something to eat.” I made my way to the kitchen when I realized I never introduced myself to the filly. “My name is Sarah Gem, by the way.” then I went into the kitchen and in a few minutes, returned to the filly with a bowl of oatmeal. I placed the oatmeal on the table and put the small filly in one of the chairs. I handed the filly a small spoon “Here you go, this will get you full and warmed up.” The filly took the spoon and took a small spoonful of the oatmeal. She seemed to like it because she started devouring the oatmeal. “Poor thing, she must have been starving for who knows how long. Wonder what happened to her?” The filly soon had the bowl completely clean and had a small bulging stomach. “Well, now that you've had something to eat, I think It's best that I gave you a bath.” I said to her. I took the little filly to the bathroom and realized she had not said anything since I found her. But I decided to let her talk to me when she was ready. I entered the bathroom and closed the door. I placed the small filly beside me and started to fill her tub with warm water. When It was the perfect level for the small filly, I lifted her up and tried to put her in the bath. The filly, however, resisted by holding my neck tightly. “It's okay, sweetheart, It's just water. There's no need to be afraid” I said gently to the scared filly. The poor filly began to kick and scream refusing to trust my words and let me bathe her. Knowing I could not convince her to go into the bath alone, I had no other choice but to use the alternative option, “Alright, have it your way, If you won't take a bath alone, I guess I'll have to come in with you.” I said to the filly before getting into the bath with her in my arms. The filly screamed in terror as the water came in contact with her body. He then stared splashing me and struggled to get out of the bath and  I just sat there keeping a gentle but tight grip on her . After a few seconds of me remaining completely still, the filly finally calmed down, “There, there. See? The water is not going to hurt you.” I said to her in soft gentle voice. Now that she was calm, I bathe the filly, getting all the dirt and mud out of her mane, tail and body. The scratches weren’t bad and looked to have healed. After that, I dried myself and the filly off. I looked at the clock and saw it was ten at night. I let out a yawn and the filly let out a quiet yawn. “Come on, sweetie, let’s go to bed.” I said. I picked up the little filly and went to my room. I tucked the filly in and magically replaced my clothes with my pajamas. The filly looked surprised. I climbed into the bed, next to the filly and placed and arm around her. The filly looked at me and smiled. “Sweet dreams, little one.” I said and we both fell asleep. However, a few hours later, I heard some rustling in the bed. I opened my eyes and I saw the filly wrestling with the bed covers. She then screamed louder than before. I knew that she was having a nightmare. “M-Momma!” She screamed at the top of her lungs while crying heavily. I immediately scooped the filly in my arms and cradled her close. The fully opened her eyes instantly and started to scream again. However, she screams stopped when she realized I was holding her. She looked at me with fresh tears forming in her eyes. The filly buried her head into my chest and cried heavily. I nuzzled the small filly, trying to calm her down. A rumble of thunder and lightning struck once again outside, making the filly scream and cry harder while shaking in fear. I began to gently rock her while making soft gentle shushing noises. “Shhh...Don't worry. I'm here...Shhh” I hushed as the filly continued to cry. I then started to softly sing a soft lullaby to the crying filly. “Hush now, Quiet now” “It's time to lay your sleepy head” “Hush now, Quiet now” “It's time to go to bed” “Drifting off to sleep leave the exciting day behind you” “Drifting off to sleep let the joy of dreamland find you” “Hush now, Quiet now” “It's time to lay your sleepy head” “Hush now, Quiet now” “It's time to go to bed” The filly stopped crying as I held him and continued to rock her. I gave her a tender loving smile. The filly snuggled into my chest, and laid her head against my neck. Tears formed in my eyes but I brushed them away and kissed the filly on the forehead. I placed the filly back into the covers and I placed them over her and me and we both slept through the night. The next morning, I woke up and gave a small yawn. I turned towards the filly who woke up as well. “Good morning sweetheart, did you sleep well?” I asked. The filly nodded. “Are you hungry?” I asked, earning another nod. I smiled and kiss the little filly on the head, “I’ll go and get us some breakfast.” I climbed out of bed and magically put on my clothes. When I got ready to walk out the door, “Shimmer Glow.” I turned back towards the filly, who was looking a bit nervous. “M-My name is S-Shimmer Glow.” she repeated. She voice was very soft like Fluttershy’s. “Nice to meet you Shimmer Glow.” With that, I went to the chicken and made the foal some oatmeal. I went back and placed on the bed, Here you go sweetie.” “Thank you Sarah.” Shimmer thanked and she dug into the oatmeal. “It’s really good.” she said. I couldn’t help but giggle. The little filly had oatmeal all over her face. I grabbed a napkin and wiped her face. Once the oatmeal was gone, I asked. “Shimmer, I have some friends living with me in the castle, would you like to met them?” “Y-Yes.” “Great!” I exclaimed softly. I picked up Shimmer and I took her to the throne room. “Winter, Moonshine, Storm, Riolu, Rockruff, Dratini, Mareep.” I called. And my three dragons and four pokemon came out. Shimmer yelped and hid behind me. “Alright everyone, I found a filly in the alleyway yesterday and I’m gonna introduce you all to her.” I said. I turned back to the filly, who was clinging to my leg, scared. “It’s alright, Shimmer, they won’t hurt you.” I cooed. The filly looked at my dragons and pokemon. Dratini slithered over to her and tilted his head. “Dratini?” Shimmer looked at Dratini and giggled, “You’re cute.” Shimmer came out from underneath me and Dratini nuzzled her, making her laugh. Riolu, Mareep and Rockruff then came up. Shimmer liked the three of them, “They are cute, Sarah.” she said. “Hehe, I know.” I said. “Now, go introduce yourself to my dragons.” Shimmer looked at Winter, Moonshine and Storm. The pokemon gave her some space and she shyly walked over to Winter first. Winter gave a soft roar at Shimmer. I came up and held her hoof, “Just hold your hand out to her… let her come to you.” Shimmer held her hoof out to Winter and looked away, whimpering a little. She then felt something touching her hoof, slowly turning back she saw Winter snout in her hoof. “Good, that means she trusts you.” I informed. Winter opened her eyes and nuzzled Shimmer, “She’s so smooth.” “Hehe. Yes she is.” I added. Moonshine and Storm came up. Shimmer looked curiously at them, “That one looks like Winter.” Shimmer said, pointing at Moonshine. “That’s because Winter and Moonshine are closely related. Winter is a Light Fury. Moonshine is a Night Fury. Both very friendly.” “What about this one?” Shimmer pointed at Storm. “Storm is a Deadly Nadder, she’s very caring.” Moonshine and Storm came over and licked Shimmer, making her giggle, “They like me.. Hehehe.” I couldn’t help but grin at the scene. Shimmer came over to me. “Your pokemon and dragons are friendly, Sarah.” “I know. Shimmer, I have some more friends that I think you should meet.” I said. “M-more?” she asked, feeling a little scared. I nodded, “Don’t worry, they’re all nice.. Well… most of them. Winter, Moonshine, Storm, can you go and gather everyone?” My dragons nodded and flew out the castle door. “A-Are your other friends as nice as them?” Shimmer asked, referring to my dragons. “Well… most of them are, but once you get to know them, they are just as friendly as me and my creatures.” I smiled. Shimmer nodded. Minutes later, all my friends came in. “Sarah, is something wrong? Your dragons came and got us?” Twilight asked in a worried tone. “No nothings wrong.” I replied. “Huh? Then why did you call us all here, newbie?” Jack asked. “You can come out now.” I called out. Shimmer came into the throne room and shyly but quickly walked over to me and clung to my right leg. “Awwww.” all the girls said while the boys were surprised. “Whose the little darling?” Rarity asked. “This is Shimmer Glow. She’s a little filly I’m looking after.” I answered. “Well she’s very cute.” Ren said, walking towards us. Shimmer whimpered and hugged my leg even tighter. “She’s little very shy around new people.” I added. Ren stopped walking and kneeled down. “Hey there.” Shimmer looked at him, “I’m Ren Loodan, I’m not gonna hurt you.” Shimmer looked at me and I nodded. Shimmer looked back at Ren and let go of my leg. She slowly walked over to him, “... Promise?” she asked in her soft voice. “Aww… I promise, little one.” Ren reassured. Shimmer walked over and placed her head in his chest. “Awwww…” the girls cooed again. I introduced Shimmer to the others. It went well, even Pinkie Pie didn’t approach her all excited she approached her calmly, surprising everyone. However, when some of them tried to touch her, she’s shy away. And she was intimidated by Jack’s size and ran behind me. “Was it something I said?” he asked. “I think she’s a bit.. Ahem.. intimidated by your size, Jack.” Rarity said. And when it came to Twilight, Shimmer backed away from Twilight while whimpering. She then laid on the floor and cried heavily. I immediately scooped her up into my arms, “Shhh...It's okay Shimmer...Shhh...”I  said to the little filly gently, trying to calm her down. She buried my face into my chest fur and continued to cry. “Sarah, can I hold Shimmer Glow for a few minutes?” I was a bit hesitant because I did not know how Shimmer would react since I was the only one so far that could calm her down. But I decided to let Twilight hold the little filly. Twilight motioned to her with a hoof to follow her. The group went to  a room with a fireplace and two chairs. Twilight sat in one of the them and held out her hooves. I placed Shimmer Glow gently in Twilight's hooves and she cradled her close to her. Shimmer continued to cry becoming scared of being in the hooves of someone else besides mine. Twilight began to rock her ever so gently while making a soft hushing sound. Shimmer’s crying continued until Twilight started to hum a soft song in her ear. Shimmer’s crying reduced to sobs as Twilight continued to gently rock her and hum the soft song in her ear. Twilight finished humming her song and continued to rock her. Shimmer’s sobs turned to sniffles. Twilight rocked her gently and once more made a soft hushing sound. After a few minutes, Shimmer fell asleep in Twilight's forelegs. She gave her a small kiss on the forehead and said to her sweetly, gently, and quietly, “Sweet dreams little one.” Twilight continued to hold Shimmer while the other and I looked at her in amazement. “Twilight, that was amazing!” Rainbow said quietly not wanting to wake up Shimmer Glow, “how did you do that?” Twilight just smiled and said, “This was the same thing I did for Spike when I first started taking care of him. I actually still do it for him now when he's scared at night or when he has nightmares.” Twilight explained to the gang before looking down and smiling gently at the filly she was holding. I let out a sigh, and gave her friend a gentle smile. I knew Twilight was going to be a great mother someday. Looking outside I saw the sun had set, and it had become dark out. Without waking up the sleeping filly she was holding, Twilight gave Shimmer back to me. Me and Twilight each gave Shimmer a loving smile as he snuggled into my warm and soft chest fur. “Have a good night Sarah, we’ll be at Sugarcube Corner tomorrow.” she said with a cheerful smile “You too Twilight and everyone. See you all tomorrow.” I said. “Bye Sarah.” I returned to my room and placed Shimmer in the bed and I climbed beside him, giving her a kiss on her forehead, earning a smile of her little face and we both fell asleep. The next morning, sunlight shined into the window, waking my and Shimmer up. We both let out a yawn. “Good morning, Shimmer Glow.” “Morning Sarah.” “Are you hungry?” Shimmer nodded, rubbing her growling stomach. “Alright sweetheart, let’s go make you some breakfast. I picked up Shimmer and placed her on my head, earning a little giggle from the filly. I went to the kitchen and Shimmer watched as I made some pancakes for both of us. I couldn't help but feel sad for Shimmer. While she was a very polite and sweet filly, I could tell she was very scared and had a broken heart. It also broke my heart to sad how upset she was last night when she met Twilight. It brought a tear to my eye to even wonder how long Shimmer has been without a family. After that, we went to the dining room and I placed both plates on the table. “Alright, sweetie, breakfast time.” Shimmer nodded and stood on my head. She started to flutter her wings and she shakily flew off my head and landed on the floor clumsily. “Hehe, trying to fly huh?” I teased. Shimmer nodded then went to the table and began eating her pancakes along with myself. When we were finished, I put the two plates in the sink in the kitchen and returned to the dining room. However when I returned, I saw Shimmer still sitting at the table, but she was sniffling. Worried about her, I  went over to her and saw small tears rolling down her cheeks. "Shimmer, sweetheart, what's wrong?" I asked the little filly with worry filling my voice. Shimmer looked up at me with tears still streaming down her cheeks, "Y-you've *sniff* been s-so *sniff* n-nice to me." Shimmer sobbed "N-nopony has ever b-been *sniff* so n-nice to m-me." I felt my heart ache seeing the little colt so upset. I sat down next to Shimmer and put her on my lap. I stroked gently stroke her side with  my hand as Shimmer continued to cry. "S-Sarah *sniff* d-do you think i'm a f-freak?" Shimmer asked me. I nuzzled her cheek before saying, "Of course I don't think that sweetheart, why in Equestria would you think such a thing?" I stroked her side as began to tremble like leaf and his crying began to grow even harder. "M-my *sniff* d-daddy *sniff* c-calls me a *sniff* f-freak" Shimmer sobbed I let out a gasp of shock. I had thought both of her parents were dead. Shimmer’s crying grew harder and louder as she looked into my eyes "M-my momma *sniff* d-died when she h-had m-me. D-daddy *sniff* s-says it's all m-my *sniff* f-fault." Shimmer cried Hearing him say that made my heart break in two. Shimmers’ mother had died giving birth to her, but how could her father say such a thing? "D-daddy y-yells at m-me, *sniff* h-hits me, *sniff* c-calls me n-names, and *sniff* s-scares me with s-storm clouds" Shimmer sobbed before burying her head into my soft chest fur. She cried into my chest. She was still speaking but she was crying so hard that I couldn't understand what she was saying. With tears streaming down her face, I wrapped my arms around Shimmer and held her trembling body close to her. Now I know the reason why Shimmer was so scared. I closed her eyes and kissed the top of Shimmers’ forehead. I felt so bad for the poor little filly that she was holding in her forelegs. As I held her close, I noticed something underneath her little wings. Carefully not to disturb the crying filly, I carefully moved on of her wings. What I saw made me gasp in shock. There were several bruises underneath her wings some of them were turning purple. How could a father do such a thing to his own daughter? How could he beat her, insult her, and frighten her with the one thing she’s scared to death of? I looked down at Shimmer who was still crying. I kissed her gently on the forehead and began making a soft hushing sound to calm the little filly down. Her crying reduced to sobs and then to sniffles as she brought her head out of my chest fur. She looked into my eyes as I smiled down at her lovingly and gave her a small nuzzle.” Shimmer, I'm so sorry your father did all those awful things to you sweetheart. But please believe me when I say it's not your fault your mother died. I promise you it's not your fault." Shimmer said nothing but gave me a sad smile while a few tears still streamed down her cheeks. I gently brushed the tears with her hoof before pulling Shimmer back into a soft and loving embrace. Shimmer closed her eyes and smiled, letting me know that she was calm and relaxed. I gave Shimmer a gentle smile before asking, "Do you feel better sweetheart?" Shimmer said nothing and gave me a small soft smiling at her. I scooped up the little filly and placed her on my shoulder. She gently grabbed around me neck as I walked out the door. "I'll take care of you, Shimmer. I promise." Soon we made it to Sugarcube Corner, "Ready, sweetie?" I asked. Shimmer nodded and we walked in. We saw Ren and everyone else at the tables. "Hey Sarah, Hey Shimmer." Ren said. "Are you feeling better?" Shimmer nodded. "Shimmer, darling. Applejack, Rainbow and I brought some friends you'd want to meet." Rarity said. Shimmer was showed three more fillies: Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. "Howdy, Shimmer. I'm Applebloom." "I'm Sweetie Belle." "And I'm Scootaloo." "Together we are...THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" All three fillies shouted making Shimmer cover her ears. Taking her hooves off her ears, Shimmer said the three very softly, "It's nice to meet you all!" We all smiled at the happy scene with the four fillies. Applebloom seemed interested in her wings and horn. "Looks like she's getting better." I said. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement still smiling at the little fillies. Everything was pleasant until a look of sadness came across my face. "Sarah, are you alright?" Twilight asked. "Guys... I found the reason why Shimmer was so scared." I stated. "Why?" Ren asked. "Shimmer's mother died giving birth to her and her father abused her." I answered, lowering my head a little. Everyone gasped in horror. "He abused her?!" Kaede cried. I sadly nodded, "Her father yelled at her and insulted her. He called Shimmer a freak, and the poor little one asked me earlier if I thought she was a freak. He told Shimmer that is was her fault that her mother had died. But the worst thing, I found out was that her father has physically beaten her. I found several bruises underneath her little wings." I shedded some tears while the others had faces in a mixture of shock, concern and anger. "That's horrible." Mason said. "No wonder she was scared of us at first." Carrie added. "That bastard!" Jack exclaimed in anger. "If I ever see him, I'll beat the hell out of him." "Jack, not important right now." Kaede stated. Twilight sat there and gave the filly beside a sad smile. However was curious about something. She didn't understand why Shimmer broke down and cried when he first saw her. She needed to know what was wrong with her. "Sarah, can you call Shimmer over here. I want to ask her something." I nodded and called for Shimmer. The little filly walked over, "Yes?" "Twilight has something she wants to ask you." Twilight knelt down to Shimmer's Level to speak with her, "Shimmer, when you first saw me you started crying. Is it okay to ask If there's something wrong with me?" Shimmer quickly shook his head before saying, "No, Twilight there's nothing wrong with you. It's just you look a lot like my Momma." Everyone in the room was silent as Shimmer continued to speak. "I had a picture of my Momma in my room. It was a picture of her before I was born. She was very pretty." Shimmer said before she started whimpering and tears began to form in her eyes. "Th-that p-picture was all I h-had of her. B-but then my daddy t-took the p-picture away from m-me and b-broke it. H-he s-said I was a f-freak and I d-didn't deserve that p-picture." Shimmer fell to the floor and cried. I pulled her close and stroked the back of her mane softly, silently hushed him as everyone looked on with sadness. I stroked the back of his mane for a few more minutes before pulling Shimmer back and said, "Shimmer, I'm so sorry your father has done all of this to you. But can I ask you something sweetie?" Shimmer nodded, "Why were you all alone when I found you?" I could feel Shimmer trembling as she closed her eyes tightly with tears still pouring out. "I-I-I r-ran away." Shimmer sobbed softly. She immediately buried her face in my chest and let his tears soak her shirt, "P-Please Sarah, d-dont send me back to my d-daddy! I d-don't wanna go b-back!" she wailed. I wrapped my arms around and stroked her side. "Shhh...It's alright Shimmer, sweetheart. I'm not going to send you back to your father." I said to the filly softly and sweetly. She Immediately wrapped her little forelegs around my neck and cried more tears, but this time they were tears of joy. "Oh, th-thank you!" She cried as I stroked her back with hoof. Everyone watched on with tears of happiness in their eyes, including Rainbow Dash and the CMC. Pinkie Pie began to bounce with glee while shouting, "WOO! I'm gonna throw Shimmer Glow the best "Welcome To Ponyville." party EVER!" Everyone laughed after they heard this even Shimmer. "I think I have a better idea, for Shimmer." I said. "What is it, Sarah?" Kaede asked. I looked at Shimmer, "Shimmer, I know that you don't want to go back with your father and since you don't have any parental figures right now. I was wondering if... I could adopt you?" Shimmer's eyes widened in shock as well as the others. "Sarah, are you sure?" Carrie asked. "Yes." I replied, proudly. Shimmer grinned big and leaped into my arms, shouting, "Momma, Momma." I could tell her answer was yes. Ren and the others cheered for Shimmer. "OH, OH, OH we can be her aunts and uncles now! YEAH!" She bounced around in room, very excited. "Of course, If that's alright everyone." It didn't take long for all of my friends for to say yes and tackle me into a group hug. Shimmer Glow fluttered her little wings. "I have a new Momma, Yeah!" she nuzzled my cheek and I kissed her on her little forehead. "And I'm going to be the best mother ever."