So, one day about 7 months ago, I had an idea about how well greed and generosity can go hand in hand with each other. This is the result...this massive undertaking of a fanfic into which I've poured blood, sweat and tears (not really) into over several months and has the approval of my 3 pre-readers.

Some seriousness - I have tried to maintain a PG-13 status as much as possible, however, there is mild swearing (no S-word or F-word but a few 'hells' and 'damns'), a small amount of gore (surgery and accident related blood mentioned), scenes of physical assault and what may be triggering to some a few non-descript scenes of sex (both non-con and consensual). While I have made sure that nothing physical is described during any sexual scene (as that would break the PG-13 rating I'm trying to keep) characters' emotions ARE well-described and could be a potential trigger for those who have been through similar situations...as such, I will flag these chapters in an author's note at the beginning. Know, however, I don't just insert these scenes for shock value or smut - they are crucial to parts of the story. If such scenes are not your cup of tea (for whatever reason) or you're not willing to skip chapters, then, my friend, this story is not for you.

The story is primarily set in the world of Dr. Seuss – particularly the Truffula Valley where the Lorax story takes place. While this world and the characters within are heavily based on the 2012 movie, I have also included elements from the original story and the 1970's cartoon. The time period for much of the story is set during an era like the late 60's/early 70's. That being said, the views and opinions of some characters contained within (particularly involving homosexuality, women and feminism) do NOT necessarily reflect my own.

Very little of the story takes place in Equestria – I imagine these events take place after the series of MLP;FiM ends, however, at the beginning of writing this, only seasons 1-4 had been released. With the release of Season 5 and further seasons, some of the facts may no longer be canon, but were (as much as possible) or were greatly accepted fanon theories at the time of the writing.

The Lorax and all references and characters contained within are copyright of Dr. Seuss. My Little Pony; Friendship is Magic is copyright of Lauren Faust and Hasbro. I own nothing and am earning no money from this fan project. (If I did own the rights to both of these – I wouldn't be driving a Ford.)

A Generous Heart

"A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity." – Buddha

Prologue – Celestial Mission

"Spike!" Rarity called out. "Could you be a dear and bring me my pin cushion?"

The young dragon, eager to please, ran over with the pin cushion, extra pins and scissors just in case. "Here you are, Rarity. Who are you making a wedding dress for anyway?"

Rarity carefully began pinning lace to the neckline of the dress. "It's for Miss Cheerilee, of course. Her wedding to Big Macintosh is coming up soon."

"Oh, right. You know who would look beautiful in a wedding gown…you, Rarity." Spike sighed heavily imagining himself standing next to her saying their vows.

Rarity gave a hearty laugh. "Why, Spike. With as much business as I've been doing, I haven't even had time to think about romance." That was a lie; actually, she thought about it WAY too much and dove into more romance novels than she cared to admit. She had her whole wedding planned out from where in Canterlot it would be, to the dress she would make, to what cake she wanted Pinkie Pie to bake for her.

Spike started to speak but instead released a belch of fire that contained a scroll. He opened it and surveyed its contents carefully.

"A letter for Twilight, I presume," Rarity said. "Now that things are so peaceful, she tells me she doesn't receive nearly as many letters."

"No, actually, the letter is for you."

The unicorn's magic faltered and the fabric, pins, thread and scissors she was levitating crashed to the floor. "For me?! Oooh, perhaps she wants me to design a new gown for her!"

"She doesn't say why, but she wants you in Canterlot as soon as possible."

Rarity considered all the work she had to do and if she would be able to finish in time. However, a letter from Princess Celestia could not be ignored. "I suppose I should pack for our journey at once."

As the train sped forward, Rarity couldn't help but wonder what the princess wanted. She had planned to bring dress-making supplies, but then Spike told her the letter indicated she was only to bring what could fit in her saddle bag. She watched the forests and mountains fly by before they were finally replaced by the polished marble buildings of Canterlot.

Her heart pounded nervously as she exited the train and walked through the station. The letter gave no indication if the news was good or bad or if there was a task she was to complete. On the way, she caught sight of herself in a shop window. At least she'd remembered to dress in style with her burgundy beret and black turtleneck.

She trotted toward the castle hoping it was a new gown the princess wanted. Even though she couldn't bring fabric or any big things, she had slipped her measuring tape into her saddle bag at the last minute. The stallions of the royal guard greeted her warmly and one of them led her through the maze of hallways.

Her favorite part of the castle was the throne room where the stained glass windows painted rainbows of color across the floor. She confidently walked across the lush red carpet and bowed before the Sun Princess. "Your Majesty, I've come as quickly as I could."

Princess Celestia gave a kind smile, as she always did when one of the Mane Six showed up. "Rarity, thank for you answering my letter. I have a task for you – one I feel is best suited for the Element of Generosity."

Rarity felt her cheeks flush. She could be generous when she wanted to be, but she also had a problem with selfishness. In fact, of all her friends she felt she had the hardest time living up to her element. "I will do my best."

Princess Celestia walked with her back through the throne room and into the hall. "This will be a difficult task and you may be gone for a long time. Do you remember when Princess Twilight went through the mirror into another land?"

Did she ever! She was absolutely enchanted every time Twilight talked about her adventures on the other side. Well, two legged flesh creatures sounded sort of weird, but Twilight always seemed to have a great time, even meeting someone on the other side. With Rarity's previous disappointments in romance it might be nice to connect with someone better than Prince Blueblood or Trenderhoof. But… "I would be gone a long time?"

"The portal to this world only stays open from sunrise to sunset for one day – the winter solstice - every twenty-four moon cycles."

Two years…that was two years. She wouldn't see Equestria, her family or friends for two years. Whatever mission this was must be ridiculously important for the princess to want her gone that long. Not only that, sunset was soon. She wouldn't have time to say goodbye to anypony.

As she followed the princess into another room, she noticed an ornate mirror with silver trim and next to the mirror was a small, orange creature with a mustache she'd never seen before.

Princess Celestia stood by him. "Rarity, this is the Lorax. He's from a world in trouble and when he came to me for help I knew you were the pony we needed."

He was like nothing she'd ever seen before. So she wasn't going to be human like in the world Twilight got to go to? Was she going to look like him? "Hello. How can I help you?"

"You're the Element of Generosity?" He asked in a gruff-sounding voice. When she nodded, he continued. "I am the Lorax – guardian of the forest. I speak for the trees. And the trees need your help. There is one so possessed by greed I fear he'll destroy everything. As much as I try, he refuses to listen."

"And why would he listen to me?" Rarity wondered.

Princess Celestia gently answered. "Because he needs his heart to be touched by generosity. That's the only thing that might change him – the power of your element. That's why it will take a while – the heart is not easily changed, particularly one so twisted by greed and pride."

The Lorax took a few steps forward. "Please, Rarity, will you do this for the trees?"

"Wait…what will I look like?" She didn't want to be some small, ugly, furry creature.

"I expect you'll be human, like him."

So this greedy individual was a human as she would be if she accepted this mission. Thoughts swirled in her mind about her family, particularly Sweetie Belle, her friends and all of Equestria she'd leave behind for two years. However, she knew if someone were destroying the forests of her land – the life-giving plants that produced air and food – she wouldn't hesitate to help Equestria. She took a deep breath. "I'll do it. I'll go."

The Lorax bowed his head humbly. "Thank you."

"A word of caution, Rarity," Princess Celestia said. "You are a unicorn and it's not uncommon when unicorns become human to forget what you are and where you came from. Do not forget and whatever you do, do not let his greed infect your generous heart." She produced a hair clip with jewels that looked like the unicorn's cutie mark and using magic, gently put it in her mane. "Wear this. It might help. Now, it's almost time for me to lower the sun. I'll let your family and friends know you've gone, but you'd better hurry before it's too late."

Rarity looked at her reflection in the mirror and almost faltered, but the Lorax put a hand on her leg. She smiled at him. No, she couldn't back down from this. In any world, it was her job to spread the spirit of generosity. So, she galloped full force through the mirror.