//------------------------------// // Child of an element // Story: Mother of the Enemy // by ChibiPatches //------------------------------// 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.