//------------------------------// // Original Plot Chapter 15 // Story: A Little Girls Love // by darkmage1997 //------------------------------// Mavis sat quietly in the Royal Train car, as the Crystal Express made it's way to Canterlot. She chose to sit away from Cadence and Shining Armor, as she watched the scenery go by. It had been a few days since she heard about the slaughter in the Empire, and though the adults were all trying to keep from telling her about it, she wasn't dumb. She had heard their conversation from the hall that day, and has been making sure she stays out of trouble, staying in her room, and sleeping for most of the time, waking up only to use the bathroom or to get something to eat. During her time of being alone in her own room, Mavis chose to remain au natural, only putting on her dress if she needed to leave her bedroom, as to protect her modesty. It was almost Hearth's Warming, and Cadence and Shining Armor were bringing Mavis with them to Canterlot to meet Shining Armor's parents, and to show Mavis more of Canterlot. Knowing Mavis would feel bad about getting presents, Cadence had sent a letter to her in-laws, telling them that Mavis would rather not get anything for the holiday, as per her wishes. "Mavis? I know you said you didn't want anything, but I'll ask one last time, then I'll drop the issue altogether. Are you certain you don't want any sort of gift for Hearths Warming?" Cadence asked. "I-I am, princess," Mavis replied timidly. "Ok then," Cadence said, as she went back to sitting with her husband. "She still doesn't want anything?" Shining Armor asked. "No, but I'm not about to force her to want presents," Cadence replied, as Flurry Heart cooed softly, "What is it, Flurry Heart? You want some attention?" Cadence said in a baby voice, picking up her daughter. She then used her magic to levitate a toy key ring over to Flurry Heart, shaking it over the baby alicorn's head. Flurry tried reaching out for the key ring, giggling all the while. Mavis saw the scene before her, and had a small smile on her face. She had steadily been thinking about agreeing to Cadence's offer to being adopted, but she still wanted nothing to do with being a princess. 'I know she said I was free to refuse being crowned a princess, but I'm still not sure,' Mavis thought to herself, as she felt the train slow down. "We're here. Make sure to grab your things, Mavis," Cadence said, as the train rolled into the station. The Crystal Family and Mavis gathered their things, and exited the coach, "Alright Mavis, stick close to us," Cadence said, as they exited the station, and made their way to their destination. the home of Shining Armor and Twilight's parents. On a mountainside, overlooking Canterlot, "Look at them, preparing for their little Hearth's Warming celebration," Queen Chrysalis commented, as she, Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Grubber looked down at Canterlot. "Little do they know of OUR gift to them!" Cozy Glow exclaimed. "Yes, but we should stick to the shadows as much as possible. We can't risk our plans being jeopardized this early on," Tirek replied, as they snuck through the cliffs to get in closer. Down below, in the streets of Canterlot, The Mane Six had just arrived a few minutes before the Crystal Express, and were en route to Canterlot Castle, "You girls go on ahead. I want to check in with my parents," Twilight said, as she and Spike diverted from the group. "Alright. We'll see you at the castle," Rarity said, as the others continued towards the castle. "So, do you know if Cadence and Shining Armor is bringing Mavis along?" Spike asked. "Of course. Though, Cadence did mention in the letter that Mavis was not too keen on the idea of getting presents. Apparently, she doesn't want to come off as spoiled or greedy," Twilight replied. "I see. Well, everyone has their own preferences, I guess," Spike replied, as they arrived at their destination. Twilight went up and knocked on the door. A moment later, the door opened to reveal a white unicorn mare with a purple and white mane and tail, and light blue eyes. "Twilight, sweetie! So good to see you again! And Spike! You look like you've grown since the last time I saw you!" Twilight Velvet exclaimed, inviting the two of them in. "Good to see you too, Mom. Is Dad home? Have Cadence and Shining Armor arrived yet?" Twilight asked. "Your father's out picking up some last minute groceries for dinner tomorrow night. As for your brother, they haven't arrived yet, but they should be coming in any time now," Twilight Velvet replied. Just then, a knock was heard from the door. Velvet went over to open it, to reveal the Crystal Family, and the Sparkle Patriarch, Night Light. He was a dark blue unicorn stallion with bright, yellow eyes. Twilight and Cadence quickly did their little nursery rhyme. "SUNSHINE, SUNSHINE, LADYBUGS AWAKE! CLAP YOUR HOOVES AND DO A LITTLE SHAKE!" they said, before embracing. "So good to see the two of you again! Ah, and there's little Flurry Heart!" Velvet exclaimed, embracing each member of the Crystal Family, while Mavis stayed just outside the door. "Good to see you too, Mom," Shining Armor replied. "I heard you were bringing a human child with you. Where is she?" Velvet asked. Cadence then saw Mavis timidly standing outside the door. "Come on in, Mavis. Your grandparents want to meet you," Cadence urged, ushering the young Nymph girl into the house, "Mom, Dad, this is Mavis. While we haven't officially adopted her, she's been staying at the Crystal Palace. Mavis, these are Shining Armor and Twilight's parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light," Cadence said, introducing both parties. "My word! She's rather thin! Nothing that one of my homemade hearty meals can't fix!" Velvet exclaimed, examining Mavis' slim physique. "Yeah, about that.... she's not exactly used to eating large portions like what you always gave me and Twilight growing up," Shining Armor replied. "The most she'll probably be able to eat is maybe two bowls of soup and some bread rolls," Cadence added. "Well, I'll still make sure she gets plenty to eat," Velvet replied. "It's very nice to meet you, Mavis," Night Light said to the young girl. "Thank you. It is very nice to meet you both as well," Mavis returned the greeting respectfully. "Well, while you all just got here, you all should go get your things settled, then we can head on to the castle," Velvet commented. "I'll show you to each of your own rooms," Night Light said, leading them all upstairs. "And this room is all yours, Mavis," Night Light said, showing Mavis the guest room. It wasn't the most spacious bedroom, but it was enough for Mavis' liking, "I'll leave you to unpack your belongings," he said, taking his leave. Truth be told, Mavis only had a small backpack that had some of the nicer dresses that she recieved from Rarity. Since Mavis preferred to be naked the majority of the time, she had no real need to get any more clothing. She also had her patchwork teddy bear, which she still kept close to her. "Well, I guess I'm settled in," Mavis commented, as she clutched a tight grip on her bear, and exited her bedroom, just as Cadence and Shining Armor did as well, along with Flurry Heart in her stroller. "Ready to go to the party, Mavis?" Cadence asked. "I am," Mavis replied, as they descended the stairs. "Alrighty then. Be sure to stay close, Mavis. Canterlot may be a wonderful city, it's no stranger to unsightly characters," Night Light warned, as they exited the house, and made their way to Canterlot Castle.