//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Tons of Fun and a Beautiful Heart // Story: Galaxia's Equestria // by pchn00 //------------------------------// Chapter 2: Tons of Fun and a Beautiful Heart Surprise maintained her silence throughout the train ride. Dinky tried to engage her once or twice, but she stoically refused to look away from the window. She barely moved—save the occasional twitch of her tail—until the train rolled into the station. Wordlessly, she rose to her hooves and followed Dinky out of the train and into the Canterlot streets. Her frown deepened as she looked about the city once more. Everything was so… clean and shiny. Everything. Even the street under her hooves was pristine and free of dirt and grime. It all smelled wrong. No trees, no grass, just stone and dead wood. And everypony was a unicorn. Nopony stopped to say hello to one another or chat amicably with their neighbors. She had to fight down the urge to just blink away and make a beeline for home. But she made a promise. She’d made two promises really, but she wasn’t much feeling like smiling. As the pair made their way along the streets, she was attracting a few looks. Nopony went about without wearing at least some clothing, and she was completely bare. The gazes ranged from scandalized to amused, but she just ignored them all. She sighed softly as the home came into view. “Ah, Miss Doo! Just the mare I was coming to see, in fact!” Surprise looked at the street to see a very handsome stallion climbing out of a carriage, helping an equally gorgeous mare down at his side. They both had white coats, but he had a short styled blue mane and moustache while the mare had a beautifully curled purple mane of her own. Despite herself, Surprise couldn’t help but feel… a little smile. They seemed nice. Normally when meeting new ponies, she’d give them a good scare like she always did, but... her spirits were understandably dampened. The mare was staring at her, and leaned up to the stallion, whispering in his ear. He glanced at Surprise as well and nodded. Dinky Doo looked a bit flustered. “O— oh! Lord Fancy Pants, this is an unexpected honor. And you must be Lady Rarity.” She bowed politely. Surprise opted not to. So this was Rarity? She remembered her mom’s stories of the mare. She certainly lived up to the image of beauty and grace. “A pleasure, Miss Doo. I believe my husband has some business to discuss?” Dinky looked from the couple down to Surprise at her side. “Of course. Would you like to follow me to my office, sir?” Nodding graciously, Fancy Pants followed Dinky Doo past the silently watching filly, and into the home. Surprise cast one last glance at Rarity before turning to head inside herself. “Ah… could we speak a moment dear?” She blinked and turned back to the gorgeous mare. Even her clothes were beautiful. A lovely purple velvet gown with a few shiny gemstones here and there. Surprise scuffed her hoof lightly on the pavement. “I uh… I guess. If you want.” Rarity allowed the ghost of a frown to form. “Is something troubling you?” Surprise snorted indelicately, causing the mare’s eyes to widen. “Of course not! I get foalnapped from my mom and dragged away from home all the time. I’m just peachy.” Now Rarity was looking uncomfortable. “A— ah… of course, that must be a very unpleasant experience. Still, aren’t you excited? You get to live in Canterlot with other unicorns now.” The mare took an involuntary step back at the sudden anger in the tiny pony’s eyes. “This isn’t my home. I love Ponyville! I love working on the orchard with Miss Applejack and visiting Aunt Fluttershy in the Everfree! A— and… I hate unicorns! They’re all mean and snooty and rude!” A hurt expression formed in Rarity’s eyes now. “Do you think that of me?” Some of Surprise’s anger cooled and she focused on her forehooves, scuffing again. “…I guess not. You seem nice… and mom said you and Mister Fancy were good ponies.” This caused Rarity to tilt her head. “Oh? Who’s your mother, dear?” “Her name’s Pinkie Pie.” A soft gasp escaped the mare now. “P— Pinkamena is your mother? Oh I had no idea! The poor dear she must be heartbroken. She planned our wedding and spoke of you all the time. I never imagined her filly was a unicorn…” Surprise wrinkled her nose at the use of her mom’s full name. It always sounded so stuffy. “Well I am. I should probably go inside now. I’m sure Miss Doo wants to try something else to make me stop hating her.” Rarity studied the small pony before her more intently now. She certainly had a bit more muscle than one saw in a unicorn filly her age, much more like a pegasus or earth pony. That made sense; if she’d spent her whole life in an earth village she likely lived and worked as one. Her coat was a lovely green color, though a trifle shaggy and unkempt. Her mane and tail were a dark pink, very nearly red, but not quite… and both were a veritable rat’s nest of bouncy curls. She could see the filly’s familial resemblance to Pinkamena in the eyes. They had the exact same sky blue. Her heart truly went out to the miserable looking foal, and the Lady Rarity delicately settled on the ground, unmindful of her gown perhaps picking up a few errant bits of dirt. “You shouldn’t ever say you hate somepony, young lady. That’s a very ugly word, and you can hurt somepony’s feelings.” “Hmph. Did somepony take you away from your family?” Rarity had to admit this wasn’t an experience she could relate to. She had a very loving family, even if her parents embarrassed her from time to time. “No. But I know Miss Doo is a lovely young mare, who only cares about the foals in her care. It’s her job to look after the unicorns with no families.” “But I have a family!” Tentatively, Rarity rested a hoof under the filly’s chin, tilting her head up. “I know this must all seem very unfair and very confusing to you. I wish I had something to say to make you feel better. Pinkamena is a delightful mare, I consider her a friend in fact, and I’m not ashamed to admit that.” Surprise didn’t pay much attention to the political stuff adults seemed to get all worked up over all the time, but she at least knew that earth ponies were the bottom of the barrel, and unicorns were the top. No unicorn had an earth pony friend. “… Really?” “Yes, of course. A lady never tells a lie, dear. That’s a good first lesson for you.” Wrinkling her nose again, Surprise sat on her haunches, staring at the mare curiously. “Lesson?” “Why yes of course, dear. In etiquette. How to be a proper lady.” Surprise huffed. “I don’t care about that stuff. What do I need fancy manners for living in a home for kidnapped foals?” Rarity winced at the last part. “Well… how would you feel about coming to live with Fancy and myself?” The little filly frowned now, settling on her belly. She remembered lots of stories about Miss Rarity from her mom… but she was also told in no uncertain terms was she to ever repeat any of them to anypony. And that Mister Fancy Pants seemed nice, and her mom liked him too. Even still, they were asking her to basically accept her situation and live in a new house. With a new family. “I… I dunno.” Eyebrow raised, the elder unicorn regarded Surprise. “Dear, I don’t wish to seem… forceful, but you can’t honestly wish to remain here, could you?” “N— no, of course not. But… but it’s my mom…” Understanding filled Rarity’s eyes. “Of course. Well… Fancy and I are certainly not asking you to forget about your mother. And you don’t have to call us mother and father, that might be a trifle awkward for all involved. Maybe someday, but… not at first. We’d just like to give you a pleasant home. A nice wholesome environment now that you’re in Canterlot.” They were definitely nicer than any other adult unicorn she’d met, (save Dinky of course, but her opinion was understandably colored). “I guess it’s okay…” Rarity smiled warmly. “Wonderful. And here comes Fancy now!” Surprise looked back to see the stallion emerging with Dinky. She recognized the little saddlebags over his back as her own. “I see you’re getting acquainted! Is everything going well, dear?” His wife nodded with a gentle smile. “The young filly has agreed to accompany us home.” “Excellent! Well, all the paperwork is signed and filed away, so it’s official. Welcome to the family, Jubilant.” Fancy was smiling. But even still, Surprise frowned. Dinky cleared her throat softly. “She prefers Surprise sir.” The matron looked down at her former ward. “Now… you behave, Surprise. I’ll be checking in now and then to make sure everything’s going well. Alright?” Surprise turned and scuffed the pavement with a hind hoof in Dinky’s direction, hopping into the carriage without waiting for an invitation. With a soft sigh, Dinky Doo shook her head. “She really is the sweetest little filly… she’s just upset with me.” Neither noble seemed at all put off by the display. “Certainly understandable, I suppose. I almost wonder if she hadn’t been better off being left in Ponyville. Miss Pie is an upstanding mare and a very devoted mother. I could tell from how she spoke of her daughter. I suppose it makes sense that she never brought her to Canterlot on her trips.” The youngest of the unicorns blinked at that. “H— how can you say that sir? Of course she’s better off with her own tribe. It’s… it’s just how things are!” Rarity was making her way into the carriage to sit with the now-angry Surprise while Fancy hm’d softly. “She was in a home full of love, with a mother who cared for her deeply, Miss Doo. Obviously she enjoyed the life and family she had in Ponyville. At times I question the wisdom of ripping apart families as we do.” Now his words were bordering on treasonous, and Dinky looked uncomfortable. “W— well… please take good care of Jubilant Surprise.” Fancy Pants inclined his head slightly. “Of course. You’ve nothing to worry about. Good day, Miss Doo.” Nodding goodbye to Dinky, Fancy joined his wife and newly adopted filly in the carriage. “Home, Sterling, if you please.” The well-dressed earth pony servant set out at a brisk trot back toward his employer’s manor. Surprise peered out the window at him curiously. “I thought earth ponies didn’t live in Canterlot...” “Ah! Well they don’t live here, per se, but down the mountain a little ways there’s a small colony for our servants to live.” Fancy offered the young pony a smile. She wrinkled her nose. “That seems silly. Why don’t they just live up in the city?” He exchanged a concerned look with his wife. “Well… it’s a bit difficult for you to understand I think, given that you grew up with earth ponies. However, the widely accepted opinion is that unicorns are better than they, and so we live apart.” Surprise quietly digested this new information, watching the city streets rush by from the window. “I see.” Rarity cleared her throat gently. “So, Jubilant…” Immediately the filly looked up. “I prefer Surprise.” The mare arched a brow. “Oh? Why in the world would you prefer that to Jubilant? It’s such a lovely name, dear. It’s another word for happy, you know?” Surprise shrugged. “I don’t care. It’s a stupid sounding fancy word that nopony liked back home. Surprise is nicer.” Fancy Pants opted to remain quiet, allowing his wife to handle this. “Well that’s not entirely fair to you though, is it? Not using one part of your name because some ponies don’t like it. Your mother must have liked it if she gave it to you, yes?” Now Surprise was scuffing the seat a bit. Her mom used to call her Jubilant a lot until some of the ponies in Ponyville said it sounded like a snooty unicorn name. She’d always called her her happy little surprise too… guess that made some sense now. “Well… I guess…” Now Rarity was smiling. “If you’d really prefer Surprise, we can call you that. But I for one would love a beautiful name like Jubilant. Perhaps we could try it out?” Slowly, the filly nodded her assent. Rarity’s smile widened. “So… Jubilant. Fancy and I have a room set up for you already. If there’s anything at all you’d like to change, you just let us know, alright? This is your home now, and we want you to feel comfortable.” Her husband chimed in now. “Indeed. Is there anything you’d like to do today, or would you rather just settle in? Perhaps we could visit the art district tomorrow? It’s one of my favorites.” Still digging her hoof into the cushion Jubilant Surprise shrugged once more. “No. I had my cake with mom last night, and Miss Applejack was too busy for presents.” “Cake? Presents? Is it somepony’s birthday?” Now she nodded. “Mmhm. I turned five today.” Rarity gasped softly. “Jubilant, your birthday is today? Well we cannot simply… go home and settle in! We need to celebrate!” She swiftly stuck her head out the window. “Oh Sterling, darling! We need to make a detour! The lower district please, my mother’s bakery.” The carriage made a sharp turn and they were off to their next destination. Fancy Pants was frowning gently. “Well don’t I feel like a proper donkey now? I should have been more mindful of the information, I suppose. We could have had a proper party ready.” Jubilant rapidly shook her head. “O— oh no, you don’t have to do anything. I had a little party with mom last night.” “Nonsense. We’re not about to start this new relationship off by ignoring your birthday. We’re to be your parents, Jubilant, and we would be doing a pretty poor job of it if we forgot a day as important as that.” Rarity moved from her seat to sit next to the little filly. “Quite right.” Fancy Pants stood and opened the door, helping both mare and filly to the ground. “Say hello to your mother for me love, I’ve got a quick errand to run myself.” He pecked his wife on the cheek gently before trotting off toward one of the other shops. Turning a smile to the filly at her side, Rarity held the door to a cheerful little bakery. “This is where my mother works. She’s been saving for years to purchase it from the owner. Soon it will be her bakery.” Jubilant entered looking around curiously. It smelled nice inside… with a little twinge in her chest she realized it smelled like her mom usually did. A wonderful sugary sweet aroma. She closed her eyes, breathing deep… for just a moment she could imagine her mom was there with her. But only for a moment, as Rarity dispelled the illusion soon enough. “Mother~!” An older mare trotted out. She had a pink coat, but the same purple mane her daughter. “Rarity! What brings you by? Off the diet again?” The younger unicorn blushed gently. “No, mother. This is Jubilant Surprise, the filly Fancy and I adopted. It turns out today is her birthday.” “Well! We can’t have a filly’s birthday go by without a cake, can we?” Rarity’s mother smiled kindly down at a suddenly timid Jubilant. “So what’s your favorite flavor?” “O— oh um… chocolate, ma’am.” “My, so polite too. Well let’s see what we have, hm?” Her horn glimmered with a warm pearly aura, lifting the filly from her hooves and settling her on her back. She gave her daughter a wink as Jubilant giggled a little. It was later afternoon, so the flow of customers would be light from now until closing. Rarity watched quietly as her mother—a pony she’d always found somewhat embarrassing at times—chatted animatedly with Jubilant Surprise… in seconds it seemed the filly had gone from withdrawn and morose to cheerful and happy to talk a mile a minute. Perhaps Jubilant needed a more… relaxed approach? Idly, the fashion-conscious noblepony browsed some of her mother’s wares. She really did have a fantastic talent at baking lovely sugary treats. Fond memories of waking to fluffy pancakes every morning and delicious desserts after supper filled her head. They may be embarrassing, but her parents had showered her and Sweetie Belle with love and affection. They weren’t wealthy, but did all they could to give their daughters everything they wanted, which was admittedly little. She frowned slightly as she realized her parents’ love was more than enough to give her a happy childhood. Her gaze shifted to Jubilant still on her mother’s back. She wasn’t exactly close friends with Pinkamena Pie, but she knew the mare had a huge and beautiful heart. Surely she loved her own filly as much as Rarity’s mother had loved her. And now Jubilant had been forcefully separated from that love. That seemed… so terribly sad all of the sudden. She couldn’t return her to Ponyville. Now that Jubilant Surprise was in the system, she’d never be free to live there, and she could be tried for treason for doing such a thing. But what Rarity could do was make sure to give the poor filly all the loving care she could muster. “Mother. Do you perhaps instead have some… cake mix?” Her mother looked over clearly confused. “W— well of course dear. Why?” A hesitant smile formed on Rarity’s muzzle. “Well, I Was thinking perhaps it would be fun if Jubilant and I er… baked her cake. Together.” Now she was getting a deadpan look. “You? Bake? Rarity dear, are you feeling alright?” Her smile became more solid seeing the hopeful look in Jubilant’s eyes. “Yes, I’m feeling just fine. We’ll take the cake mix and some frosting I think. In fact… why don’t you and father come to the estate this evening? I’ll see if Sweetie Belle can make it too. We’ll have a proper little party.” “Are you sure Fancy Pants won’t mind?” Rarity laughed lightly, levitating Jubilant from her mother’s back to her own. She shifted a little under the weight of the filly, but found it to be very little burden. “Of course not. He’ll likely insist on purchasing streamers and the like.” Soon she was given a bag with the mix and frosting. “Alright then. We’ll be there, say, eight tonight?” “Eight o’clock it is. I look forward to seeing everypony tonight. Come along Jubilant, we have a cake to bake!” With a delighted little laugh, Jubilant waved goodbye to Rarity’s mom. Maybe not everypony in Canterlot was going to be mean? Miss Rarity and Mister Fancy Pants seemed really nice. So did her mom for that matter. They waited in the carriage for Fancy Pants, fortunately it wasn’t a long wait and he soon returned bearing a small package. He eyed the bag from the bakery curiously. “I say, I hate to sound rude dear but it seems your mother might be losing her touch.” Rarity tsk’d and gave her husband a good natured bump with her hoof. “Jubilant and I are going to bake a cake this evening. I’ve invited my family over to have a little birthday party.” “You’re going to bake?” At his wife’s nod, he raised a brow. “Well this should certainly be an interesting evening then! I suppose Jubilant will have to wait to get her present until tonight.” Now Jubilant’s eyes were wide. “Present? For me!?” “Oh yes. It is your birthday, young lady. You can’t have one of those without presents. But you’ll just have to wait until this evening.” The young filly was bouncing on her seat in excitement now. “So Jubilant, what do you normally do for your birthday?” Rarity inquired gently. The subject of discussion paused a moment and thought. “Well I get to stay home from school that day! Mom would make a big breakfast and she takes the day off work. We usually go to the park or visit Aunt Fluttershy in the forest. Then we all have dinner and play some games and stuff.” “Hm. Well, I don’t think we can make a trip into the ah… Everfree, but the park is certainly doable I should think?” Fancy smiled warmly and called out to their driver. “The municipal park please, Sterling!” Rarity was frowning only a touch. “Fancy, don’t you think we should stop by my shop? Jubilant is a bit… indecent.” Now the filly was frowning too. “Whuzzat mean?” Fancy chuckled. “It means you’re naked, dear. Not many ponies in Canterlot go about au naturale.” His horn glowed warmly as he began to unbutton his suit coat and remove the cufflinks at his forehooves. Rarity watched it all with a growing sense of dread. “Fancy Pants, don’t you dare…” Studiously ignoring his wife, the stallion carefully removed his coat and folded it on the seat beside himself. His fine silk shirt was next to join it, leaving him clad in only his trademark monocle. “A bit refreshing, I must admit.” Jubilant was giggling a little at Rarity’s mounting distress. “Fancy, you can’t go out like that! What if somepony sees you!? What will they say!?” Gently, he rested a forehoof over Rarity’s own, very subtly shifting his eyes toward the filly. Rarity did so as well, and saw the cheerful jubilance she was named for dancing in her wide blue orbs, rather than the dark morose look they’d carried earlier. Heaving a deflated sigh, she unlaced her fine gown. “The things I do for you...” When the carriage rolled to a stop in the beautiful art district, three very much unclothed unicorns trotted out, already drawing more than a few stares. Though a few laughed and shrugged off the uncommon sight when they saw Fancy Pants. The eccentric business tycoon was well known for marching to the beat of his own drum. Jubilant was blissfully unaware of it all. The park was almost like being back home. Lush green grass and big beautiful trees. There were even ponies outside talking to each other! Just like in Ponyville! The ponies in this district seemed almost… nice. Rarity was walking slowly, tail tucked firmly between her legs, and doing her best not to meet anypony’s gaze, but seeing how happy the filly was made the embarrassment easier to bear. Fancy cantered to one of the vendors in the district, tossing a few bits on his stall counter and carrying a frisbee over to Jubilant. The filly’s eyes lit up and she began to hop excitedly as he tossed it with his magic. To his surprise, she jumped and caught it in her teeth like an earth pony would. And like the same tribe’s ponies, she flicked her neck, tossing it back the same way. With a loud guffaw at the absurdity of it all, he abandoned his magic, doing likewise. His mortified wife only watched as the stallion she loved ran about getting all… dirty and sweaty. Carrying on like an earth pony! It was hard to stay upset however, listening to the peals of delighted laughter coming from Jubilant Surprise. The mare gingerly lowered herself to the cool grass. She hadn’t felt grass on her bare stomach since she was just a filly herself. It actually felt rather pleasant. Smiling at the warm nostalgia, she watched stallion and foal at play, and found she couldn’t really be upset at either of them. Pinkie stared at Discord for a time after his last sentence. “Don’t call her that.” The brown coated stallion dropped to all fours, affecting a hurt look. “Well it’s basically true.” “Maybe. But your claim is only in mixing a little magic about. I carried her, I raised her. I— I lost her. So… don’t come in here acting like you did anything more than the bare minimum. If you had stayed, they might have let us keep her!” He snorted softly and took an intense interest in one of his forehooves suddenly. “I suppose that’s true. But you know it’s not safe for me to be around any of you for long. She has spies everywhere, and you six are of particular importance to her. Even short visits like this are dangerous.” Pinkie found her anger dissipating. She hated being angry at anypony… and she certainly had a lot to be thankful for toward Discord. “I guess so. If it’s so dangerous, why are you here?” His smile returned. “Well it’s Surprise’s birthday! I visit every year after all. Though I didn’t expect her to be snatched up by the gestapo. Ah well, I can give her a present in Canterlot as easily as I can here.” Now the mare was suspicious. “If it’s dangerous to come here, isn’t it more dangerous going to Canterlot?” “Well m’dear, it’s a very special birthday for our little Jubilant Surprise. Her magic’s been getting stronger, ripening if you will. And it’s ready for harvest.” His horn shimmered with the same chaotic swirl of color Surprise’s did when she teleported. A large jeweled case took shape. One Pinkie recognized immediately. The clasp holding it closed opened gently revealing the six empty indentations. “If you would be so kind… I have several of these to find, and not all are going to be as easy as yours.” Pinkie’s brow furrowed, but she complied. Moving to her own room and gently nosing a loose floorboard aside, she withdrew a small velvet bag. Carrying it downstairs, she upended it, letting the golden element of laughter spill out. “What are you going to do with them?” Discord’s smile grew. “Why Pinkamena, I’m going to save Equestria.” To his credit, Fancy Pants managed to keep a straight face as his wife had brought out Jubilant’s birthday cake. The poor thing was heavily lopsided, and just a trifle under done… but everypony tucked into it with relish as if it were made by the Queen’s own pastry chef. Sweetie Belle had been a bit less tactful, loudly declaring it to be something more akin to her own attempts at cooking than their culinary minded mother’s, but in the end everypony had a wonderful time. Even Jubilant, at first a touch timid around the unicorns that were supposed to be her new family, soon warmed to Rarity’s very down to earth family. They really did remind her of everypony back in Ponyville. For a moment she wished they could all be back there. Or that her mom and aunt could be here. She had a feeling they’d all get along really well. The servants had gone home for the evening, leaving the adults to tend the clean-up, but not a word of complaint was to be heard. Saying their goodbyes and ushering Jubilant to her new room for bed, the couple wearily made their way to their own room. “Well… an eventful first day, I think.” Fancy’s tail twined with his wife’s as they walked. “She certainly has a lot of energy once she gets comfortable, doesn’t she?” Rarity looked particularly worn out, certainly not used to the amount of effort she’d exerted today. Nodding but smiling, Fancy paused at the filly’s door. Ear perked curiously, he leaned in. “She’s talking to somepony.” He spoke in a hushed whisper. Brow furrowed, Rarity joined him. “… But who?” “And then after the park we came home and I baked a cake with Miss Rarity! It wasn’t as good as mom’s, but it was still really yummy! And I got to meet her mom and dad and little sister and they’re all really really nice ponies! I miss mom… and Aunt Fluttershy and Miss Applejack a lot but… but it’s not all bad. So don’t be sad, okay? I’m going to try and not be so sad either!” Smiling warmly to one another, but unable to stifle their curiosity, they entered Jubilant’s room as one. It had been decorated in shades of pastel pink, much to the filly’s delight. A bed bigger than her and her mom’s combined back home dominated most of one wall, with pillows and blankets softer than anything she’d felt before. She had a whole closet full of pretty clothes, not that she was too eager about that. She was currently sitting on the patio, her large doors standing open and gazing up at the moon. “Jubilant dear… who on earth are you talking to?” The filly simply lifted a hoof, pointing up. “The mare in the moon! Mom says she’s lonely a lot so I like to tell her all about my day. I know she’s really far away but maybe she hears and doesn’t feel as lonely!” Rarity’s hoof flew to her chest and her eyes moistened. That was perhaps the sweetest thing she had ever heard. All her previous reservations at taking in this filly had been more or less dispelled over the course of their day, but this banished whatever remained. Fancy Pants chuckled warmly, lifting the filly with his magic and settling her in bed. “Well I’m quite certain she hears you and very much appreciates the time you take to keep her company. But it’s late and time for good little fillies to be in bed, hm?” Jubilant didn’t complain as she was settled in the huge bed and tucked under the covers. Both of her adopted parents paused a moment, looking from one another to the filly. Rarity took the lead this time, leaning up and kissing her on the forehead. “Good night Jubilant. And happy birthday.” She blinked. “Hey I didn’t get my present!” She was standing on the covers in a flash, looking expectantly at Fancy Pants. Blinking in surprise, the dapper stallion laughed. “Well in all the excitement I suppose I forgot!” He slipped the box from his breast pocket, showing he had in fact likely not forgotten at all. He levitated it to the eager young filly, who wasted no time flinging the wrapping off and admiring the pretty box. Gingerly, she took lid in her teeth and edged it open. Inside was a simple silver chain with a small heart shaped stone inlaid at the center. It was a very dark purple, almost black. Eyes shining excitedly, she picked it up in her hooves and the small stone instantly brightened a little. With a soft gasp, she held it tighter as it grew to a beautiful amethyst hue. “Wow…” Rarity watched it all a bit confused. “My word Fancy, what in the world is that? I’ve never seen a gem do that before.” Her husband seemed equally perplexed. “Well I had no idea it was enchanted. I saw it and just felt it… would suit her. Do you like it, Jubilant?” Nodding happily, she slipped it over her head without delay. “I love it!” Somewhere deep in the Everfree forest, the pendant’s twin sat hanging off a small outcropping of rock within a dark cave. Yellow eyes widened as the stone began to shine with an identical light. “What’s this, Miss Rarity?” Rarity had grown very used to the endless barrage of questions from Jubilant Surprise over the past week. There was very little about Canterlotian life she understood, and she was constantly asking about anything that caught her eye. Rarity had at least managed to get her to wear clothing out in public, but only if she allowed her to go without at home. “What’s what, dear?” They were sitting in her work room at home. She’d been working out of the manor for the last few days in an effort to give Jubilant some stability. It wouldn’t do to snatch her from her real mother and insist she think of Fancy and herself as her new parents if she dumped her on the maid all the time like some ponies did. Jubilant had her nose pressed against a display case Rarity kept some of her favorite trinkets and knick knacks she’d collected. “This necklace! It looks like an Elements of Harmony!” Eyebrow raised curiously now, Rarity left her sketchpad and came to stand beside the filly. “Oh that? It’s…” She trailed off a moment and her eyes lost focus. “…it’s just an old family heirloom. My mother gave it to me. What did you call it?” Jubilant stared intently at it. It looked just like the necklaces mom and her aunt had, just with a purple diamond instead of the blue balloon or pink butterfly. “An Elements of Harmony! Mom and Aunt Fluttershy have ones just like it!” That was a little hard for Rarity to believe. What would a pair of earth ponies be doing with such fine jewelry? “Are you certain?” “Mmhm. Mom used to tell me stories all the time! Hers was laughter and Aunt Fluttershy’s was kindness! I wonder which one this is?” This was the first Rarity had heard of any of this. “My, I wonder if it’s part of a set? That would certainly be interesting. Perhaps we can make a little trip to Ponyville and find out, hm?” “Really!?” Jubilant was grinning ear to ear. Rarity and Fancy had discussed making trips to the earth pony village now and again to let Jubilant see her mother. While it was important the filly began looking at them as parental authorities, it would certainly do no harm to visit Pinkamena. She was a good mare after all. “Yes, really. In fact, why don’t we plan to go this Saturday, hm? We can take a carriage and make a proper little outing. Hm... if Sterling agrees. That is a long way to go.” Laughing as the filly began bounding about, squealing in excitement, her attention was drawn by a gentle clearing of the throat at her door. She turned to find Mirror Polish, the family maid watching quietly. “Yes Mirror?” “Madame, there is a… gentlecolt here to see you. He claims to be a relation to Miss Jubilant.” Rarity’s smile faded. “An earth pony?” “Oh no madame, a unicorn stallion.” A unicorn? This was news. “Jubilant, is your father a unicorn?” She shook her head. “No Miss Rarity.” She gasped. “It must be Uncle D!” Jubilant rocketed from the room right between Mirror Polish’s legs. The maid laughed softly, shaking her head. “He did say he was her uncle. He’s in the foyer, madame.” Rarity thanked the maid and set out at a brisk trot to the entrance. There was Jubilant Surprise hopping around a bemused looking brown coated stallion who was wearing perhaps the ugliest suit Rarity had ever had the misfortune to lay eyes on. Softly, she cleared her throat, drawing their attention. “Good afternoon.” The stallion ruffled Jubilant’s mane with a hoof, causing Rarity to wince, (she’d finally gotten the filly to allow her to run a brush through it and had tamed it… Somewhat). “And a good afternoon to you as well, madame! I do apologize for arriving unannounced, but I had a very urgent bit of business with my niece.” Despite his unorthodox appearance, Rarity found herself almost instantly liking this odd stallion. He wasn’t entirely unlike her husband, who was known to be eccentric himself. “I see. Nothing… too pressing?” “Why the most pressing matter an uncle could have with his niece!” A small box locked in a swirling aura of chaotic magical color drifted in, settling before a nearly squealing Jubilant. “What sort of uncle would I be if I forgot her birthday? I had a bit of trouble finding her after the ah… relocation, you see.” Looking somewhat relieved, Rarity crossed the distance to Jubilant and her uncle. Jubilant was tearing the wrapping and throwing it aside in a flurry of ribbon and paper. Excitedly, she nosed open the flaps… then her face fell. She knew mom said to always be grateful for a present no matter what, but... Rarity watched curiously as a very clearly used and beat up knapsack was lifted from the box in Jubilant’s green aura. “…you got her a used saddlebag?” “Th— thanks Uncle D… it’s uh…. nice?” Gingerly, she turned it over and started unzipping some of the many pockets. There was a canteen and all sorts of camping stuff. “Well it’s the thought that counts! And you never know, that could come in handy. Maybe even soon.” Rarity was frowning gently at that. “Jubilant, would you excuse us a moment? I’d like a word with your uncle please. In private.” Blinking from her uncle to her foster mom, the filly nodded. “Yes ma’am. I’ll go play with my uh… new… beat up bag…” What the heck!? Normally Uncle D brought the best presents. Still, Miss Rarity seemed unusually insistent, so she scampered to her room. Now the mare was scowling as she rounded on the stallion. “I don’t know what you think you were implying, but you’re not just going to drag Jubilant off on some camping trip out of the blue.” “Whatever gave you that idea? I just feel it’s best to always be prepared! You never know when your carriage would break down on the side of the road or something.” His smile was genuine, but did little to ease Rarity’s nerves. “Are you planning on taking her? Because Fancy and I have legal custody. She’s happy with us, and we’re happy with her. We won’t let her go without a fight.” Now his smile had faded a little. “No. No I’m not here to take her away…” Yet. “And I’m glad she wound up in the hooves of ponies who genuinely care for her. I suppose I wanted to make sure of that fact. Pinkie Pie is a wonderful mother, and you can hardly blame me for being concerned about my niece. Besides, I’m not parent material. Something of a vagabond.” His grin returned. Rarity’s eyes softened. “Oh. Oh yes of course, I do understand. Forgive me, this is all very… new. And Jubilant is certainly a hoof full, not that I’m complaining of course! She’s an absolute delight.” “She’s something special, alright. Do you mind if I speak to her? Just few a few minutes before I’m on my way?” Rarity would likely feel better if Fancy were home, but he was at one of his business meetings. Still he seemed an affable fellow, and they did have a small army of servants about. “Of course. Her room is the third on the left upstairs. I’ll prepare us some tea.” Thanking her, Discord made his way upstairs, finding the filly huffily poking at her present. Shaking his head in amusement, he shut the door behind himself. “Not the usual caliber of present from me?” “N— no… not really. Sorry Uncle D, but uh… usually it’s new toys and stuff. What’m I gonna do with this?” Looking back and forth as if ensuring they were alone, he inched closer. “Well… how about an adventure?” Jubilant’s eyes widened a little. “Wh— what? Adventure? Me?” “Well not just you of course, m’dear. I’d be along… and we’d have to collect your friends of course.” Discord was strolling around her room, taking it all in quietly. They’d certainly spared no expense; of course he expected no less of the two big hearted unicorn nobles. “Where’re we going? What would we be doing? Does Miss Rarity know?” “Well… I’m not entirely sure where we’d be going, but we’ll be starting in Ponyville I think. As to the what…” The case appeared again and Jubilant peered in curiously. “That’s mom’s!” He nodded. “Indeed. She gave it to me for safekeeping. See how there are some missing?” “Mmhm. Aunt Fluttershy and Miss Rarity both have one!” “They do. Our mission, if you choose to accept it…” He waited a moment, only getting a blank stare. “…is to find the Elements of Harmony.” “Then what?” “Well then we’ll just see. For now, let’s focus on one thing at a time, hm? Do you think you can get me Miss Rarity’s?” Jubilant was frowning a little now. “Maybe. I can go ask.” “No, no! She can’t know about this. It has to be a secret.” Her frown deepened. “But that’s stealing. Plus, won’t she notice it’s gone?” Discord however was smiling. “We’re just borrowing it, Surprise. We’d bring it back once we’re done. And she won’t notice because…” An identical copy popped into view before Jubilant’s nose. She still seemed reluctant however. “I dunno…” Closing the case, Discord settled on the floor before Jubilant. “Do you remember your mother telling you about happier times? Times when everypony was friends and didn’t care about unicorns or pegasus or earth tribes?” She nodded. “Mmhm.” “Well. You and I, and some other ponies are going to bring those happy times back. But to do that…” Jubilant’s eyes widened a little. “…you need the elements?” He beeped her nose with a hoof. “Got it in one, little filly. But we have to be sneaky. The mean old Queen doesn’t want things to go back, so we have to do this without her knowing.” Grinning eagerly, Jubilant wasted no more time taking the copy in her magic. “Wait right here!” With a soft pop and a swirl of color, she vanished. Discord chuckled at her excited antics. Slowly, he moved to the balcony, looking up where the moon would be. “Soon, Princess. Soon.”