It was the third and final day that the Gate of Sleipnir was to remain open and Aurora was finishing up with the move to Equestria. Much of what was in her home was to be placed in storage until her mother could be found. All that remained in her house was Aurora's own personal effects.
Among them were her shell collection, her two hermit crabs, Pinchy and Herman; her clothing, and her family albums. The books she took last because she wanted to look at the photographs during the last night in her old house.
Thanks to that sludge, much of the house was in ruins but livable for the night. Upon Aurora's request, Princess Celestia allowed the child to spend the night in her old home one last time with Applejack staying to watch over her. During the later part of the afternoon, Aurora wrote letters to all of her friends, explaining that her mother had been kidnapped and that she was to stay at a friend of her mothers.
She also explained that she did not know if she or her mother would return to the islands but said that she would miss them terribly and hopes to see them again. She then made the windboard trip to the island's post office and canceled their mail.
Applejack watched sadly as Aurora took the time to catch her final waves on her surfboard. The blond saw very well that Aurora had a deep love for the ocean and allowed her to surf until the sun went down. She actually brought Rainbow Dash, who was struggling in her new body, to see Aurora's surfing abilities. Needless to say, Rainbow was impressed by the girl's skill in the water. If she looked like a complete pony instead of a human, the former Pegasus could have mistaken her for a kelpie or a hippocampus.
So when the sun rose the next morning and the move was just about complete, she stayed behind to breath in the salty sea air once more. It was going to be tough, yes. But it was for the best. After all, she couldn't picture herself with another family or in an orphanage.
"Take one last look, guys. This may be the last time we'll see the islands for a long time," she spoke to her hermit crabs.
After what seemed to be ten minutes, it was Applejack that approached her and gently nudge her.
"Come on, Sugar Cube. Time to go."
The two humans then walked through the portal as it closed once again for the next twelve years.
In Equestria…
The Elements waited at the gate, knowing this was the day. They backed away as Aurora and Applejack came through the portal. Aurora was once again in her centaur form while Applejack was in pony form. Behind them, the light from the portal faded until it disappeared completely.
Aurora was stranded in Equestria.
"Welcome to Equestria, Sugar Cube." Applejack spoke to her.
Fluttershy then noticed the aquarium in Aurora's arms and flew towards the child.
"Oh my goodness! Are those yours, Aurora?"
Aurora nodded at Fluttershy.
"Yes. They're my pet hermit crabs."
She then pointed to a small crab in a white spiral shell.
"That's Pinchy, for obvious reasons."
She the pointed to the large crab in a needle-like shell.
"And that's Herman."
Fluttershy cooed at the hermit crabs as the made their way out of the caverns.
"Oh, what cute names!"
"And I must say, those shell look fabulous on them." Rarity complimented. This made Aurora smile.
"Thanks, Miss Rarity. I actually share my collection with them."
This surprised the unicorn as well as the animal-loving Pegasus.
"Really? How?" Rarity asked.
"Oh! I know," Fluttershy spoke up. "When hermit crabs get big, they tend to outgrow their shells. So they search for new shells, sometimes giving their old shells to smaller crabs."
Aurora nodded.
"That's right. Whenever they get too big for their shells, I take them to an area where they won't get away and I pour out some of my collection. I let the crabs choose their shells and I keep the old ones in return."
This impressed Fluttershy greatly and caused Rarity to become curious.
"If I may ask, may I see your shell collection when we get the chance? I am quite curious about their designs."
Applejack smiled as Aurora agreed, talking casually with Rarity and Fluttershy, who also wanted to see her shell collection. Things might get better after all. Soon, they were splitting up, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash with Aurora in front of the latter's room.
"We'll let you get settled in for the rest of the day. We'll send the rest of yer things to Sweet Apple Acres today so you'll be ready to unpack tomorrow."
Aurora nodded as she opened the door to her room.
"Thank you Miss Applejack. Miss Rainbow Dash."
"And for the record, you don't have to call us 'Miss.' Just our names is ok." Rainbow spoke, earning a nudge from Applejack.
"She's just being polite, Rainbow."
"I'm just saying she doesn't have to be so formal."
Aurora shook her head in amusement as both the farmpony and the Pegasus walked off, arguing.
After walking inside her room and placing her aquarium down, she looked at the Ming urn on the dresser.
"Can you believe it, Dad? We're actually in Equestria. The very one from Mom's stories."
She then walked to the center of the room, checking her lower body.
"But…Miss Applejack said you knew Mom's a unicorn. And that makes me…half-pony…"
Her words trailed off, her tone changing, realizing the challenge that laid ahead of her.
Looking in the vanity mirror, she placed one hand on her human face while her other hand touched the fur that began beneath her navel. From the waist down, she was a pony. A very tall pony, but a pony. But from the waist up, she was a human with elfish ears. Her stomach began to churn as she realized something.
She wasn't going to fit in.
If she came to Equestria as a complete pony, then maybe she'd have a chance to adjust quickly. But with the way she was, it was going to be painfully obvious that she was only half pony. What would the other ponies think of her once they see her? Would they laugh at her? Would they be terrified by her?
But then…what about Applejack? And Fluttershy? And the rest? What about Princess Celestia?
Aurora then knelt down to the ground, clutching her stomach. Normally, she wouldn't be feeling like this. Heck, her mother would always encourage her to make friends. But this particular situation was out of her expertise. Back home, she was human. At least, when she thought she was human.
"How am I going to go through this?"
She then remembered the kindness of the Elements and the princess and shook her head.
"What are you doing, Aurora? You're no coward. What would Mom say if she saw you cowering at thought of meeting other people? Err…ponies."
Screwing her face, she got back on her hooves and placed her hands on her human hips.
"This is silly. There may be ponies who'll think badly of you. So what? It's the same with people back home. Just got to sort out the friendly ponies from the jerks."
She then turned to her father's urn and grinned.
"I think I'll get by, Dad. Just you wait."
Just then, there was a knock on her door. With newfound confidence, she spoke.
"Yes?"
"Aurora? It's me. Princess Celestia."
Aurora raised an eyebrow. What could the princess want?
"Come in." she called out.
The door opened as Celestia entered the child's temporary bedroom.
"I came to see how you are settling in Equestria, Aurora. I heard you speaking and I was wondering if everything was alright?"
Aurora blushed beet red as she answered the princess while her fingers fiddled with a violet lock of her hair.
"Oh! I-I was just trying to boost my confidence, princess. After all, I have to be confident if I'm going to stay in Equestria."
Celestia smiled at Aurora's words, but knew that the child was worried about her appearance to other ponies. It was definitely going to be Aurora's greatest test and hoped that she would make new friends soon. Perhaps the gift she had for her would give Aurora more faith in ponies.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Without confidence, nopony can move forward. And I have every confidence that we will find your mother as soon as possible."
She then decided to tell Aurora about the "welcoming gift."
"But before you leave for Ponyville tomorrow, I have a gift for you."
This intrigued Aurora's curiosity even more. What could the Sun Princess have for her?
Celestia then told Aurora what the gift was.
"I have invited your grandparents to the castle to meet you."
The lump in Aurora's stomach returned in full force.
"M-my grandparents? As in…my mother's parents?"
Celestia nodded, silently knowing of Aurora's returning anxiety.
"Yes, Aurora. I do not know how long before you'll return to Canterlot, so I have informed your grandparents about you. Do not worry about explaining your appearance. I have already told them of your origins. And despite that, they are eager to meet you."
Aurora blinked several times before she managed to speak.
"They…they want to meet me?" Celestia nodded.
"They have been longing for a grandchild for some time now. And especially since you are the child of their missing daughter, it's only natural that they'd be curious and eager to meet you."
"I guess it won't be so bad. I mean, I've always wanted to meet members of my mother's family. And besides, this will give me the chance to learn about her during her life in Equestria." Aurora thought.
"W-when will I meet them?"
Celestia's heart lifted when she heard Aurora ask. Despite her growing fear, she was willing to overcome it. With a warmer smile, she answered Aurora's question.
"They shall be here in an hour. I will let you have the parlor for the afternoon."
"YOU'RE MEETING YOUR WHAT?!" Rarity shrieked.
After Celestia left to prepare the parlor, Aurora made her way to Rarity's room, though clumsily, and told her about what had transpired in her room.
"I'm meeting my grandparents! In one hour!"
Rarity was in a hustle, gathering fabric and materials and dashing to her makeshift sewing table.
"Goodness gracious! Oh, I do wish Princess Celestia had told me they'd be coming in three hours. But to meet them in one hour…"
"Do you need any help? I may not know to sew, but I'll do what I can." Aurora interrupted.
Rarity, in the midst of designing a new outfit, spoke.
"Oh, I do appreciate the help, Aurora. Could you go and fetch Fluttershy for me? She can help us."
Aurora nodded and ran off to fetch Fluttershy.
An hour later…
In the palace parlor, Aurora was pacing back and forth, struggling to contain her emotions. She, Rarity, and Fluttershy were able to assemble a lovely casual dress for her. It was a navy-blue color with a light blue color and short sleeve cuffs. Her hair was combed back with a diamond-studded barrette keeping the sides of her hair back. The dress was one of the more complicated, yet simple designs Rarity had done. She was used to doing dresses for four-limbed ponies, not a six-limbed centaur.
"Come on, Aurora. What happened to that confidence you built up an hour ago? Come on. I'm sure they won't be as frightening as you think. You're just overreacting because you've never had met living relatives before, much less grandparents."
She then began to chant "you can do this" until she heard the door open. While her voice fell silent, her head was in shambles.
"They're here!"
Aurora's heart beat faster as she laid eyes on her grandparents for the first time in her entire life.
Both of them were unicorns, the stallion was a blue color with a navy mane and tail, both greying. On his flank was a crescent moon. His eyes were a shade of amber. The mare with him was a grey color with a white-and-violet stripped mane and tail, her mane in a low bun. On her flank was a speckling of violet stars. Her eyes were light blue.
Aurora gulped as their eyes fixed upon her. There were minutes of silence before the mare approached her.
"Are you…Aurora? Daughter of Twilight Sparkle."
Aurora gulped as she nodded.
"Y-yes."
Once the mare was right in front of her, she motioned the child to kneel down. Gulping, Aurora managed to get down on all four knees. What was the mare going to do? She found out in three seconds flat.
The mare embraced her with a loving hug.
"I am so happy to meet you, dear!"
Aurora blinked in confusion as she dared herself to ask.
"Are you…are you my grandparents?"
The mare pulled away, a teary smile plastered on her face.
"We are. I'm your grandmother, Twilight Velvet."
The stallion then spoke, a weary smile upon his face.
"And I'm your Grandpa Night Light."
Aurora honestly wasn't prepared for such a warm reception. She was expecting the worst, not the better.
Realizing she was silent for a minute, Aurora spoke.
"I-It's nice to meet you both."
Twilight Velvet continued to smile as she placed a hoof on Aurora's shoulder.
"There's no need to be afraid, Aurora. We won't bite."
It was then Night Light spoke.
"What your grandmother means is that we are happy to meet you."
Aurora blinked in confusion before she asked a question.
"Y-you are? I-I mean, I'm pretty sure I am not the grandchild you would expect…"
Twilight Velvet waved a hoof as she interrupted her granddaughter.
"Well… When the princess explained your *ahem* 'condition' to us, I must admit we had no idea what to think."
"But despite that, you are still our grandchild and we wanted to meet you." Night Light replied.
Aurora didn't know what to say. Like with Applejack, the hybrid searched for any deception in her grandparents eyes. But much to her relief, there was uncertainty, but nothing malicious. So, Aurora decide to try and connect with her grandparents.
"Th-thank you, sir."
Night Light smiled as he spoke again.
"Please, Aurora. Call me 'grandpa.'"
The rest of the day turned out the better for Aurora. She and her grandparents spent the entire afternoon talking and looking through each other's photo albums. She smiled as she heard all sorts of stories about her mother and was becoming more curious about her uncle and aunt in the neighboring Crystal Empire.
Of course, unbeknownst to Aurora, both Twilight Velvet and Night Light also kept quiet about what happened at the first attempt of Shining Armor and Cadence's wedding by request of the Elements and Princess Celestia. And it was a memory they themselves wanted to purge from their minds completely.
Unbeknownst to the family, Celestia, Luna, Spike, and the Elements watched from the crack in the doorway. Once the three had gotten past the awkward point and things began to roll smoothly, the spying party became relieved, allowing the majority to leave the door. The ones who remain were Rarity and Pinkie Pie, who wanted watch more.
They all agreed that this was one hurdle that Aurora had to overcome. After all, despite the fact that she was going to live with the Apple Family, she still needed to bond with her own kin. Hopefully, this would be a major stepping stone in Aurora's adjustment and health, both physical and mental. Especially mental. Once they were a good distance from the door, and the two remaining eavesdroppers, the princesses took the time to speak with the remaining three Elements and Spike.
"It seems the plan was a success after all." Luna spoke.
Celestia nodded as she spoke.
"Aurora is going to need all the support she can get. And nothing is more supportive than family and friends. But I fear that this is only the beginning for Aurora."
"What do you mean by that?" Rainbow Dash asked, scratching her head with her hoof.
Luna answered the Pegasus.
"Not all ponies will be as accepting of Aurora as we are. I, for one, am certain there will be some who would go out of their way to ostracize her."
This caused Rainbow's fur to bristle, remembering the ponies who would harass Fluttershy when the two of them were in Flight Camp.
Fluttershy's stomach churned at the memories and the very thought of Aurora going through what she went through as a filly.
And it won't be because she didn't have a Cutie Mark or can't fly. It would because of her two different bloodlines and how obvious they would be.
Spike huffed, smoke coming out of his nostrils.
"Not if we have anything to say about it."
But Celestia shook her head disapprovingly.
"I am afraid that is not the answer. Aurora needs friends she could become close with if she is to overcome such prejudice. Like for her mother, Aurora needs to make friends. Ponies at least her age who can offer genuine friendships with her. This will help rid the loneliness in her heart."
Pinkie turned away from the door and whispered to the group.
"Oh! Oh! Oh! I can set her up with Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake!"
"And I'm sure Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo would befriend her. Especially since Aurora doesn't have a Cutie Mark." Applejack added in.
It was then Fluttershy's turn to voice her concerns.
"Oh, those ideas are lovely. But what about when she moves to the Crystal Empire?"
"Don't worry! They can write to her and visit her. Plus, she can make friends in the Crystal Empire, too! Can't have too many friends, right?" Pinkie replied.
Celestia nodded in approval.
"Exactly, Pinkie Pie. One can't have too many friends."
They then returned their attention to the bonding family, smiles glowing upon their faces.