This is the 18th chapter. Like I did with the addition chapters I made up in this story, I'm adding a third human turned into a pony before I could start 'Winter Wrap-Up'. Her name is Penelope from Varanasi, India. Like Apple Shine, she became an Earth Pony and changed a name to Rose Lotus. I should let you all know that she's a gypsy, a member of the nomadic people who travel from place to place and they don't usually stay in place. And yes, they're also thieves, but they can also do fortune-telling, magic, and dance.
Now then with that out of the way, I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
God Help the Outcasts
Somewhere around in India, there was a gypsy girl named Penelope who's born from Varanasi, India, but living in the caravan with her family and her people. They were gypsies who travels from place to place and never stay in one place, basically they're like nomads. Everywhere they go between either the city or the town, they mostly steal money from the people, begging for food and money, and became peddlers to sell. They sometimes do magic illusions, tell their fortunes, and dance to entertain the people.
However, Penelope had never gone to school, mostly because the people of India would discriminate her and her people, but she was home schooled by her family. She learned how to tell fortunes, magic, and dance from her family, she also learned how to steal from the people. Penelope was quick on her feet and able to outsmart them by either hiding or blending in with the people.
On her 4th birthday, Penelope had a pet got named Djali, a curved dagger from her father, and a dress from her mother. But her happiness fell short in her 6th year when the people known as the Anti-Romani came to their home and massacring the entire people. Penelope and her people were in a panic while trying to flee, but the Anti-Romani killed them one-by-one, leaving the little girl widen her eyes with horror while witnessing the massacre. Her parents grabbed their daughter, taking her inside of the caravan as they pulled out a mirror which it happens to be the magic mirror.
"Mama! Papa!" Penelope called them in Hindu accent. "Why are they doing this?!"
"Because that's what they do, Penelope." Her father answered. "Our ancestors were forced to flee for centuries because of the Anti-Romani. Not many of us were lucky to get out alive."
"Thus, we've been hiding ever since while keeping on the move." Her mother adds as the magic mirror revealed the area of Equestria. "Penelope, we need you to go through that mirror. You and Djali will be safe there. We've learned about the mirror years ago, before you were born, was a magic mirror. This mirror can allow us to go through it, but our bodies will be altered."
"What do you mean?" Penelope asked, but realized what they're planning. "No! I don't want to leave any of you!"
"You must, Penelope!" Her father protests. "Don't worry, we'll be fine. We'd rather die than putting you in danger."
"Also, once you get through the mirror, you'll turn into a different form." Her mother explains. "And when it happens, we'll break the mirror so that no one will be eligible to get you."
"But, I don't want to lose the both of you and be all alone!" Penelope said in tears. "I've already saw our people getting killed!"
"Which is why we want you to go in there and...be safe." Her father told his daughter. "There will be someone who can take care of you."
"But mama, papa! The only people I've ever cared was the both of you and my people." Penelope said. "I don't want to leave you!"
"Penelope, there's only a matter of time before we die. Go, please." Her mother begs. "Do this for us."
Penelope begins sobbing at this point as she wrapped her arms around her parents to hug them. Her parents did the same and they also have tears in their eyes. Once they broke the hug, they stare back into their daughters eyes and smiled.
"Penelope, promise us one thing." Her mother said.
"What will I do?" Penelope asks.
"Live on, live a normal life. Go to school. No matter what, don't forget about us and remember who you are." Her father suggests.
Penelope nods as she and Djali went through the magic mirror, teleported them in Equestria.
Her appearance is different as she's now a pony. She had a dark cinnamon brown fur coat with raven black mane and tail, a red bindi on her forehead, and orchid purple eyes. She wore a red bandana on her head, a white top with a teal and gold bodice along with a purple sarong and white petticoat. She also has a golden hoop earring on her left ear, golden bangle on her left fore-hoof, matching bracelet and anklet on both her right fore-hoof and right hind leg. She also carries her satchel around her shoulder
"I'm a...pony?" Penelope asks herself surprisingly.
Penelope hears a loud banging on the wooden door as she and Djali looked back to see the Anti-Romani through the mirror with her parents protecting her.
"MAMA! PAPA!" Penelope yelled in tears.
Her parents look back at their daughter and she saw tears in their eyes as they gave her a small smile.
"Goodbye, Penelope, we love you." Her mother said.
"NO!" Penelope shouts.
And with that, her parents break the magic mirror as it closed the portal before Penelope jumped and landed on the ground, leaving her stranded in the Everfree Forest. She now lost her family, her people, and her home as she cried out with after breaking down with a sad heavy heart.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
You all have my little ponies
Do you know all you're my best friends?
Penelope continued to cry her tears out with sadness and great sorrows, after losing her parents and her people. Djali can understand why because of the Anti-Romani. Until, they heard a noise that was coming from the forest as Penelope stood up, which she was having a hard time and not use to stand like a pony, but she pulls her curved dagger out. They then saw the eyes lurking, causing her to ready her dagger, but the eyes are surrounding the gypsy pony in the forest. Then, the timberwolves revealed themselves, growling at their prey. Penelope and Djali were now frightened of them as they flee.
The timberwolves decided to chase after them through the Everfree Forest when Penelope turns to the goat.
"Djali, I don't know who I can trust, but can you find a town and get help?" Penelope asks her pet goat, causing Djali to bleat. "Please, I need help!"
Djali didn't want to leave her in the middle of the forest alone because her parents wanted their daughter to live. However, since there's no other choice, Djali turns to the other direction to get help, but only some of the timberwolves chasing after the goat while the rest of the timberwolves chased after the gypsy pony. Penelope managed to find the ruins of the castle after a few minutes running as she went inside, but noticed those wolves weren't chasing after them anymore, gave up on chasing as they went back inside of the Everfree Forest.
"I should be safe...for now..." Penelope said, panting heavily. "Djali...please be safe..."
While in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie is walking around town along with Rainbow Dash to hang out, and pull some pranks along the way. Until, they saw Djali running towards them, bleating to each pony, asking for help.
"Uh...what's that goat doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked, confused. "And why does it have an earring around its ear?"
"Maybe it's pretty?" Pinkie Pie guessed, causing Rainbow Dash to roll her eyes.
Fluttershy heard the sound of bleating as she approaches Djali.
"Um, excuse me?" Fluttershy called, earned his attention. "Can you tell me what happen?"
Djali was surprised that Fluttershy can understand him, bleating while try to explain to her. Both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walk towards them.
"What does that goat say, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash questions.
"He said his name is Djali and his owner named, Penelope, is in trouble." Fluttershy explains. "They were being chased by some wolves made out of wood."
"Wait! What?!" Rainbow Dash exclaims. "Those are timberwolves! How did they get in the Everfree Forest?!"
Djali then bleats again, communicating Fluttershy while explaining. Fluttershy then gasped.
"Oh my, she asked Djali to get help in a nearby town." Fluttershy told them. "And now, she's all alone."
"WHAT?!" Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash shouts.
"Then we've got to find her!" Rainbow Dash suggests. "And I think I have a pretty good idea where could she be going."
"The Castle of the Two Royal Sisters?" Pinkie Pie suggests, earned a nod from the two.
"It's our best bet." Rainbow Dash answered. "We should go and get..."
Before Rainbow Dash could finish her sentence, Pinkie Pie already dashed off towards the Everfree Forest to find Penelope, leaving Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Djali alone in Ponyville.
"...the others." Rainbow Dash finished, sighed. "We better go get the others, she may need some help when it comes to timberwolves."
Fluttershy nodded with an agreement as she, Rainbow Dash, and Djali went off to find the others to give them an explanation and to find Penelope in the Everfree Forest.
Back at the castle, Penelope was still hiding from the timberwolves while holding her curved dagger in case if they came inside. She was also crying after losing her family and her people during her 6th birthday. She was scared, sad, and lonely, she didn't know how long she will be hiding from danger in the Everfree Forest. But as she moves her head to check if there's any danger lurking.
"Hi!" Pinkie Pie greets, causing Penelope to yelp. "(GASP!) You must be new! I've never seen you before! You must the new filly-"
"Get...back!?" Penelope growled with anger, pointing her dagger at Pinkie Pie.
"Whoa! Take it easy!" Pinkie Pie assures the gypsy filly. "I'm not here to hurt you, I'm here to help."
"How do I know if I can trust you?" Penelope questions, not lowering her guard. "How do I know if you're one of them?"
"Them? Who?" Pinkie Pie asks, confused.
"Anti-Romani, they're the group of prejudice who shows hostility to gypsies. My people were forced to travel across Europe to flee centuries ago." Penelope explains.
"Europe!?" Pinkie Pie exclaims with a gasp. "Then that means you're a human...from Earth!?"
"What?" Penelope asks, surprised. "How did you know about Earth?"
Pinkie Pie then thought about it. Of course, Penelope wouldn't know that she's in a world called Equestria. Even though, both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack gave birth because of the magical labor, but the question is, how did she arrive here with the goat?
"Well, I have something to explain to you." Pinkie Pie said. "You see, you're not the first human that came here in Equestria."
"What do you mean? Who came here first?" Penelope asks.
"Me." The voice of Comet said when he, Apple Shine, Spike, and the Mane 7 arrived at the castle. "I'm formerly known as Elijah from Brooklyn, New York, but I'm currently called as Comet Stardust."
"He did become a pony, but he's a unicorn, like me, Mario, and Rarity." Twilight explains. "He had a tough life before he came here."
"What happened?" Penelope asks, lowering her guard.
"His old parents tried to raise him as they can, when his so-called uncle and aunt make things harder since they're affiliated with the Italian Mafia." Twilight explains. "Comet has been picked on by foals around his age and being discriminated because of his heritage. The only one who accepted him was Dante and his gang. When he turned 6, it got worse when his uncle made it much harder, to the point he ran away from home. After that, Comet got involved in the crossfire by protecting Dante and help them fight the rival gang, but he got shot after the fight was over."
Penelope was shocked of Comet's backstory, never thought it was tragic. She then turns to Apple Shine as the Texan filly approaches the gypsy filly.
"What about you?" Penelope asks. "What was your story?"
"Ah'm formerly known as Emily from Houston, Texas, though Ah'm now as Apple Shine." Apple Shine introduces herself. "Ah was raised by mah family at the ranch and helpin' mah family doin' the mornin' chores before Ah got to school. Ah've been livin' a good life until things took a turn when the Tropical Storm Imelda was about to hit Houston. Just soon as Ah help mah family take the animals to shelter, Ah got bit by a timber rattlesnake. They took me to the hospital in order to get some medication, but that varmint wasn't payin' attention and the other doc manage to get through. And next Ah knew, Ah died when the venom kept spreadin'."
Penelope was sad to hear of Apple Shine's backstory as well.
They then heard a bleat which was coming from Djali as he trotted towards the gypsy pony.
"Djali!" Penelope said, hugging the goat happily.
"So, that goat is yours?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"Yes, my family gave me Djali when I just turned 6." Penelope explains.
"Well, Djali explain what happen to you in the Everfree Forest, but he was in such a hurry to find you." Fluttershy explains, approaches her "He was worried about you."
Djali then approaches, bleating. Fluttershy is the only one who can understand the goat as she nods in respond.
"Now that you know of their story, what was your story?" Mario asks.
"My name is Penelope. I was born in Varanasi, India." Penelope introduces herself. "But my family and my people don't tend to stay for long because we traveled around with the caravans."
"Hmm...If I have to guess, you're a gypsy, are you?" Comet inquires.
"Yes, my family, my people, and I are gypsies." Penelope nods with confirms. "You see, we have a tendency to travel from place to place and not staying in place."
"But don't you ever go to school?" Twilight asks when Penelope shook her head. "Why?"
"Because many of my people were being discriminated since centuries, and it's been going on. So, I was home schooled, learning on daily basis. I've also learned between fortune-telling, dancing, and magic." Penelope explains. "But I've also learned how to steal."
That got them surprised about it, but Apple Shine and Comet knew that gypsies do steal blind from the people, but not all of gypsies are bad.
"Sugarcube, you do realize that stealin' is wrong, right?" Applejack asks with a glare.
"But what choice do I have? Yes, I know that stealing is wrong, but we were desperate for the money to travel." Penelope told her. "We sometimes do honest work."
Applejack can tell that Penelope is telling the truth, but she's going to have a little talk with the gypsy filly.
"Anyway, when I turn 6 during my birthday, my father gave me this dagger when I was 4." Penelope continues, showing the dagger. "My mother gave me the dress, which she made it on her own. And I've got Djali."
Rarity couldn't help but looking at the gypsy attire Penelope is wearing.
"Well, your mother made an impressive dress. I really wanted to give compliments to her." Rarity said with a smile, but Penelope felt sad. "What is the matter, darling?"
Penelope is now starting to shed tears in eye, starting to cry.
"She...She's no longer with me...or my papa...or my people..." Penelope told them sadly. "The Anti-Romani somehow manage to find us, and they destroyed the caravans, killing my people. My parents got me to safety inside of the caravan, but they pulled out the mirror...a mirror that has magic...They want me to promise them that I can live, and to be safe...I don't want to leave them because they're the only ones I cared...But they want me to go through it...And next thing I knew as me and Djali went through that mirror, I've turned into a pony...Next thing I knew, my parents smashed the mirror and...the Anti-Romani killed them..."
It got them gasped, Rarity and Fluttershy covered their mouths with their hooves. Mario, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack are angry at what the Anti-Romani have done to her family and her people.
"And now...I've lost everything...my home...my family...and...and my people..." Penelope finished as she began to cry in tears.
They gave her sympathetic look on their faces because of the loss of her family and her people, but no child would ever deserve to witness so horrifying and traumatic. Comet was the first to move when he approaches Penelope, hugging her. Apple Shine and the others followed as they embraced the gypsy filly with comfort.
After a few minutes of crying, Penelope calms down and go with the others to the Golden Oak Library. Twilight decided to send a letter to the Princesses, given them the information about Penelope's backstory and how she winded up in Equestria. Though, she does have a hard time pronouncing the city which Penelope helped her out. After Twilight finished writing the letter, Spike blow a green flame on the letter, sending it to the Princess Celestia. They then turn to Penelope, who's petting Djali which the goat is comforting the gypsy filly.
"I know this is a bad time, but we should introduce ourselves." Twilight said sadly, but smiled a little. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. Of course, you've already met Comet and Apple Shine. This is Spike, he's my assistant."
Spike lets out a small smile, feeling sorry for Penelope after the explanation from Twilight.
"Ah'm Applejack." Applejack introduces herself.
"I'm Mario Star." Mario introduces herself.
"I'm Rainbow Dash." Rainbow Dash introduces herself.
"I'm Rarity." Rarity introduces herself.
"I'm Pinkie Pie." Pinkie Pie introduces herself.
"And I'm Fluttershy." Fluttershy introduces herself.
"Penelope, we just wanted to say we're all very sorry for the loss of your family and your people." Twilight said with sympathy.
Penelope only nods with a respond, but starting to tear up and hugging Djali. Twilight and the others can tell she really missed them very much.
But then, they heard a knock on the door. Twilight walked towards the door and opens it, revealed to be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna entered inside of the Golden Oak Library and saw Penelope sitting on the couch next to the goat, approaching them when Djali jumped out of the couch, protecting the gypsy filly. Fluttershy approaches the goat.
"It's okay, Djali, they're not here to hurt her." Fluttershy assures the goat. "We understand what you and Penelope are going through, and I understand you're protecting her. But you have to trust us, they're not going to harm her."
Djali turns to Fluttershy and then turns to the Princesses, noticed there's no hostility, there's only sadness as he moves away. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna then turns to Penelope.
"Twilight told us everything what happen to you in your time in India. We wanted to say we're all very sorry for your loss." Princess Celestia said sadly. "No child ever deserve to witness so horrifying after losing a parent."
"Thank you." Penelope said, shedding in tears. "I just wish my parents were here with me..."
"We understand, you loved your family and your people very much." Princess Luna said. "But...Penelope, was it?"
Penelope nods with confirm.
"We understand you love to travel and not to stay in one place because of your bloodline as a gypsy, but living in Equestria is not as bad as you think." Princess Luna explains. "We know you can't accept it quickly, but the least you can do is give this world a try."
Penelope may not like of staying in Ponyville, but she gives them a nod since she's new in Equestria. Djali approaches her and nuzzled her cheek to comfort her.
"And you can rest assured, you'll be safe here in Equestria." Princess Celestia said. "However, I'm afraid you have to remain in Ponyville until you're aged enough to travel on your own."
"I'm afraid she's right, Penelope." Twilight agrees. "With everything you told us, you also need somepony to look after."
Penelope then looked at Twilight in confusion.
"In Equestria, we use 'somepony' instead of 'somebody' and 'anypony' instead of 'anybody'." Apple Shine points out simply, leaving Penelope understands.
"But who's gonna watch over her?" Rainbow Dash asks. "I can't because she's an Earth Pony, like Apple Shine. Only Pegasus ponies can walk on clouds."
"I've got work at the library, and I have Comet to take care." Twilight points out.
"And I have a lot of animals in my cottage." Fluttershy adds. "I barely have room for one more."
"Ah've got Apple Shine to take care and Ah don't think there's enough room for the filly." Applejack said. "But if she wanted to stay, then might have to adjust gettin' up early to do some mornin' chores."
"Same here." Mario agrees.
"Well, there is a chance she could bunk with Sweetie Belle." Rarity pondered. "As long as the two of them get along."
"I could ask Mr. and Mrs. Cake if I could have Penelope stay in my room." Pinkie Pie suggests. "But, I'm not too sure if they would allow her to stay."
Penelope just looks down with a sad expression on her face, hoping that somepony would take care of her.
"Alright, Penelope." Mario called her, earned her attention. "Since we hear your backstory, you are going to stay with one of the two ponies. You have two choices: Rarity or Pinkie Pie?"
Penelope knew that Mario had a point. If she was going to be stuck in Equestria, then she'll have to live with one of the ponies. But before she gets to choose, she'll have to get some information about which of them she chooses before she lives with one of them.
"Maybe I should know something about who I have to stay with before I do." Penelope points out.
"That's fair." Rarity said. "Well, if you stay with me, you will have to share a room with my sister. She might enjoy the company, and just so you know, I am a fashion designer. You might get a chance to be in a dress specifically to match your potential beauty."
Penelope widens her eyes. If she stayed with Rarity, then she'll be very upset whenever Djali eats up the fabric. In other words, she doesn't want that and not wanting to get the goat into trouble. She then turns to Pinkie Pie.
"If you stayed with me." Pinkie Pie said. "I'll have Mr. and Mrs. Cake help me give you the support and comfort you need. I know a party won't help you because of your tragic story, but I can promise you this, I'll give you much comfort and we can help you bake some sweets."
Penelope thought about it. Pinkie Pie is really determined to watch over the gypsy filly and her pet goat. Even though, she can be funny at times, and they got off with a wrong hoof.
"Okay." Penelope said, made a decision. "I choose to stay with, Pinkie Pie."
"YAY!" Pinkie Pie shouted happily.
"Well, I can't argue with that choice." Rarity said.
"Indeed, but before you get a chance to leave, it'll be best to change your name." Princess Celestia suggests to the gypsy filly.
"Why?" Penelope asks in confusion.
"Because your name doesn't fit in Equestria." Princess Celestia answered. "Also, so that way the ponies won't be confused of your unusual name. Even for Comet and Apple Shine, your name is common in your old world."
Comet and Apple Shine nods with an agreement. Penelope then pondered a bit.
"Well, if I'm gonna change my name, then it might be something similar to my old world in India or my heritage of a gypsy." Penelope states.
"I see." Princess Luna said with an understanding. "Is there a name that is suitable for you?"
Penelope then pondered a bit. Even though, she was born in India which it should have a Hindu name. She then remembered of her late parents given their daughter a lotus that has a shade of pink rose when she was 3.
"Rose Lotus." Penelope said. "The name of the lotus is part of the sacred water lily in my old world. We have those lotus flowers. They're also the symbols of strength, resilience, and rebirth. I also remembered looking at the lotus a year ago, and my mother calling me that name."
"And I think it's a suitable name for you." Princess Celestia said with a smile, turns to Pinkie Pie. "Take good care of her and Djali."
"You can count on me." Pinkie Pie said, saluted her.
Princess Celestia nods as she and Princess Luna leaves the Golden Oak Library and heading back to Canterlot.
Pinkie Pie then turns to Penelope, who is now Rose Lotus.
"So, would you like to see where I live?" Pinkie Pie asks with a smile.
"I just...need some time alone..." Rose said sadly with a sigh as she and Djali leaves the library.
Twilight and the others knew that Rose Lotus is still new to Equestria and sad for the loss of her family which it felt like it she had a scar in her heart, so deep that no medicine or party can cure. They decided to have a long talk since Rose Lotus have lost everything and she's right now an orphan.
After Rose Lotus and Djali left the Golden Oak Library, she's walking around the town. The ponies around in Ponyville were looking at the gypsy filly and the goat, curious about her and wondering who this gypsy filly is. She then walk towards the fountain, noticed the statue of Princess Celestia. Rose then looked at the ponies, seeing them strolling around in Ponyville. She then looks at the statue of Princess Celestia as she starts singing.
Rose Lotus (Sings):
I don't know if you can hear me
Or if you're even there
I don't know if you would listen to a gypsy's prayer
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast
I shouldn't speak to you
Still, I see your face and wonder
Were you once an outcast too?
Twilight and the others walked out of the Golden Oak Library, after hearing Rose Lotus' voice. Penelope then walked around in Ponyville as she continued her prayer.
Rose Lotus (Sings):
God help the outcasts
Hungry from birth
Show them the mercy
They don't find on earth
God help my people
We look to you still
God help the outcasts
Or nobody will
Twilight and her friends were enamored with her voice, and they slowly following her while listening to her song.
Rose Lotus (Sings):
I ask for nothing
I can get by
But I know so many
Less lucky than I
Please help my people
The poor and downtrod
I thought we all were
The children of God
God help the outcasts
Children of God
Comet and Apple Shine gave her a small smile along with Twilight and her friends, felt touched by the gypsy filly expressing her faith. Rose Lotus felt the sunlight shining down on her head and she looked up. It felt like it was a sign from God giving her hope. Her eyes moistened and tears rolled down to her cheek. Djali nuzzled her face and Rose Lotus hugged her goat with a smile on her face. Djali lifted his head from her shoulder and noticed them watching. The goat bleated and Rose Lotus turned around to see Twilight and the others, quietly gasp.
"Did you hear me praying?" Rose Lotus asks.
"We did." Comet answered. "We never knew you sang like an angel."
"Oh, thank you." Rose Lotus said shyly with a blush on her face.
Twilight and the others were approaching the gypsy filly, but Rose Lotus flinched away from them. They stopped, feeling worried.
"Are you alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asks.
"Sorry, I guess I forgot that I'm no longer in India." Rose Lotus apologizes. "I felt like I almost got caught."
"Why would you think like that, darling?" Rarity asks. "You know we would never do that to you, right?"
"I know." Rose Lotus said with sigh, frowned. "It's just that, no pony would ever want to be around with a gypsy, thinking we would rob them of their money and possessions, which some of it is true, but not entirely. Gypsies don't do well in Europe."
"Why not?" Twilight questions.
"We were always being despised by the people, including the Anti-Romani. We have a terrible history for that one, too." Rose Lotus explains. "My people were being arrested for being different. That is why we travel around in Europe, to get away from the people. One time when we travel to Poland, the Anti-Romani were searching for us and yet, they only manage to find one of them."
"They didn't catch them, did they?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"I'm afraid they did. The Anti-Romani not only manage to find them, but they arrested them without any consent at all." Rose Lotus answered. "But then, they gave them a cruel treatment and all we ever did was watching my people get beaten."
"WHAT?!" They exclaim with horror.
"They didn't stop until they slit their throats, killing them." Rose Lotus continues. "They told them that a gypsy would be better off dead."
"How could they treat your people so cruel?!" Rarity shouts angrily.
"I don't know." Rose Lotus said with a sigh. "Maybe they can't help the way they are."
"Those nasty creatures!? How could they treat those gypsies like a useless piece of trash?!" Rarity growled with anger.
"I can't believe they would do somethin' so cruel!" Applejack exclaims.
"I agree!" Fluttershy agrees angrily. "Nopony should ever treat those gypsies like that!"
Pinkie Pie approaches the gypsy filly, hugging her and all was silent around them. Neither of the ponies were touchy, but they couldn't help and felt sorry for the poor gypsy filly. They wanted to think of a way to relieve her from the pain she and Djali went through.
"What were your favorite things to do in order to forget harsh memories?" Rainbow Dash asks.
Rose Lotus heard the question and remained quiet. She thought long and hard about it. Then she came up with an idea and believed that she could do it to restore her confidence and faith.
"I know!" Rose Lotus said, smiling. "I will put on a performance! I haven't performed in a while, and I now feel the urge to do it."
"Are you sure you're up for it?" Twilight asks, worried. "I mean, we want you to get settled in first before you do anything else."
"She's right, we don't want you to overdo it." Comet adds.
"I understand, but it might be the chance I need to regain hope. I can do this; I have to do this." Rose Lotus said, sighed. "I know I'm still learning, but I can't stay depressed like this. I have to do this, for my parents and my people."
They can tell that Rose Lotus is determined to perform which she's not doing this out of pity, she's doing it to regain hope and for her people.
"Well alright, but after you get settled, we'll get you ready to perform tomorrow." Twilight suggests.
"And I'll make the dress for you to perform." Rarity adds.
"Just nothing fancy or flashy. Just something similar, like this dress." Rose Lotus told her, showing her dress. "But red with a purple sash and short purple sleeves. And can you add a golden tiara with a red jewel on the center?"
"Oh my, I'm impressed of your sense of fashion." Rarity said, impressed. "And that will be a no problem at all, I'll make that dress for your performance."
Rose Lotus thanked her with a nod, turns to the others.
"We'll leave her to you, Pinkie." Twilight said, turns to Pinkie Pie. "Can you make sure she gets settled before the performance tomorrow?"
Pinkie Pie nods, saluted her. Twilight turns to Rose Lotus.
"And Rose?" Twilight called her. "I'll do some research about the mirror you told us. If I got something, I'll let you know."
Rose Lotus nods with an understanding, hoping she'll get some answers about the mirror and why her late parents managed to grab hold of it.
"We'll see you tomorrow, Rose." Rainbow Dash said.
And with, Twilight and the others, except Pinkie Pie, heading back to their homes, leaving Pinkie Pie, Rose Lotus, and Djali alone. Pinkie Pie then takes both Rose Lotus and Djali, which the gypsy filly is riding on her back, to Sugarcube Corner which it got the gypsy pony confused.
"What is this place?" Rose Lotus asked. "It's almost like I'm seeing a gingerbread house."
"Silly, it's Sugarcube Corner. It's where Mr. and Mrs. Cake work here to bake sweets." Pinkie Pie explains happily. "Aaaaaaannnd...It's where I live."
"Wait, you live here?" Rose Lotus asks, surprised.
"Yep!" Pinkie Pie nods. "Now, let's get you inside."
And as soon as they went inside of the Sugarcube Corner, Mr. and Mrs. Cake noticed the gypsy filly and the goat, after Pinkie Pie placed Rose Lotus down to the floor.
"Um Pinkie, who is this filly? And why is the goat with you?" Mr. Cake asks.
"My name is...Rose Lotus." Rose introduces herself, almost said her old name. "And this is Djali."
Djali bleats, greeting the Cakes.
"Is something wrong, dearie?" Mrs. Cake asks when Rose sniffled.
"Sorry. It's just...I missed my parents and my people." Rose Lotus told her.
"Did something happen to them?" Mr. Cake asks.
45 minutes later
Both Mr. and Mrs. Cake were astonished by Rose's story. They heard a story similar between Apple Shine and Comet, but that story was very sad from a gypsy filly. But they felt very sad for Rose Lotus after the pain and sorrow she went through, they couldn't resist on wanted to help Pinkie Pie take care of her, but learning of her heritage and the history of gypsies.
"So, you went through the mirror and didn't know that it's magic?" Mr. Cake asks, earned a nod from the gypsy filly. "And your current form is now a pony?"
Rose Lotus nods again when Mrs. Cake hugs the gypsy filly with tears on her eyes.
"Rose, I'm sorry...I am so sorry..." Mrs. Cake said sadly, hugging her tightly. "We're so sorry after what you've been through."
Rose Lotus remained silent with a sad look, hugging Mrs. Cake. Mr. Cake approaches Pinkie Pie.
"Pinkie Pie, she would be welcome to stay here with us." Mr. Cake said. "She needs all of the support and love she needs, along with Djali."
Rose Lotus then turns to Mr. Cake, surprised that he and Mrs. Cake would also take her in and help Pinkie Pie take care of her and the goat.
"But, we need to have the adoption papers if we're going to take care of her." Mr. Cake points out.
"Actually, I've already got those earlier." Pinkie Pie said, brought out the papers.
Mrs. Cake breaks her hug, turning to her husband.
"Dear, we can't simply rush things. Don't you think it's best that we get Rose Lotus settled in?" Mrs. Cake suggests. "She just got here, but only after what happen to her people."
Mr. Cake knew that his wife is right, after what both Rose Lotus and Djali have been through. Even after the explanation from the gypsy, he wanted to help Pinkie Pie take care of her since Rose Lotus is gonna be staying in Sugarcube Corner.
"Yeah, you're right." Mr. Cake said with a sigh, turns to Rose Lotus. "But Rose? You can think this place as your new home. I know it's new to you, living in Ponyville, but the least you can do is give this world a chance."
Rose Lotus knew that Mr. Cake is right about it since she did give them a backstory. She may not think about Equestria as her new home nor living in Sugarcube Corner, but the only thing for her is to give it a chance. She only nods in respond with an understanding since she has nowhere else to go and left as an orphan after the death of her parents and her people.
"And don't you worry, we'll help Pinkie Pie take care of you." Mrs. Cake assured her with a smile. "You would need all the support and comfort you need."
"So then, you would take care of me?" Rose Lotus asks.
"Of course, which why the Princess promised me to take care you, with some help from the Cakes." Pinkie Pie answered. "I promised you, you're in good hooves."
Rose Lotus then gives her a hopeful smile along with Djahi, and walked towards Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie also approaches her, hugging the filly with a smile on her face.
Few hours later, Rose Lotus spend some time with Pinkie Pie and the Cakes, learning how to bake, telling them a fortune after Rose Lotus explain of the tarot cards and the palm reading, or in Equestria's case, hoof-reading, and help Rose Lotus learn to walk like a pony.
Later that night, Pinkie Pie picked her up and headed into the bathroom, after helping Rose Lotus got off of her dress, her bandana, her satchel, and her accessories. Pinkie Pie started up the tub with both faucets for warm water, and then she dipped her hoof to check the temperature as it was just right, let it fill up the tub. As the water was proper amount, she set Rose Lotus down into the tub by picking her up.
"Is the water warm?" Pinkie Pie asks.
Rose Lotus nods with a respond.
Pinkie Pie smiled warmly as she starts rubbing her shoulder, before Rose Lotus returned a smile of her own. Pinkie Pie then lathered her mane with a shampoo, took a small pitcher of warm water and dumped it over her head to wash the shampoo out of her mane. Rose Lotus then let out a giggle, feeling a little tickled from the water which it got Pinkie Pie laughed a little. Pinkie Pie uses her hooves to grab a sponge brush and a soap bar, filling it with soap, and gently wash the filly's body, before she rinses her off with the entire tub. With Rose Lotus cleaned up, Pinkie Pie then begins cleaning up Djali by brushing his fur with a brush, filled with soap, and washing. She then rinses the goat off with the entire tub. After Djahi got cleaned up, Pinkie Pie drained the tub and she dried the two off with the towel.
As they went upstairs to the bedroom, Pinkie Pie and Rose Lotus were sharing the same bed while Djali is sleeping on his own bed next to them. Rose Lotus then started to have a nightmare while struggling in her sleep and crying. Pinkie Pie noticed the filly, feeling bad for her as she sat up and pull her in for a hug.
"It's okay, Rosey. I'm here, I'm here." Pinkie Pie whispered into her ear.
Djali noticed that Pinkie Pie is calming Rose Lotus down which he smiled at it. Rose Lotus then calms down in her sleep. She then snuggled closer to Pinkie Pie's barrel and nuzzled with her chest fur, wrapped her hind legs around her belly, and laid her head against the crook of Pinkie Pie's neck as the filly curled her hooves around her chest. Pinkie Pie just smiled at it and then went back to sleep.
The next morning, Pinkie Pie was starting to wake up after hearing Djali bleating, telling her to wake up.
"Morning, Djali." Pinkie Pie greets the goat when she was about to get out of bed until she felt something wrapped around her barrel.
Pinkie Pie looked down at her body to see Rose Lotus under the covers with her. Pinkie Pie and Djali smiled to see the gypsy filly holding onto her barrel, but it was time for her to get up. Pinkie Pie gently put her hoof on Rose Lotus' back.
"Rose, Rose, it's time to get up." Pinkie Pie said softly.
Rose Lotus groaned and squirmed a little until she woke up. She looked up to Pinkie Pie and smiled.
"Good morning, Pinkie." Rose Lotus greets her.
"Morning." Pinkie Pie greets back. "It's time to get up."
Rose Lotus nods, then she let go of Pinkie Pie's barrel, and sat up. She then started getting out of the bed, placing her bandana around her head, and an earring on her ear.
"I can't help but noticed something around your forehead. Was that a red dot on your head?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"It's called a Bindi, it's a red dot originally from my old world and its associate with Anja chakra and Bindu, is known at the third eye chakra." Rose Lotus explains. "They say that a Bindi focuses inward toward God, signifies as piety as well as serving as a constant reminder to keep God at the center of one's thoughts. It also serves as a sign of marriage, but only to those who're old enough. I've had that ever since I was a baby, meaning that it was my birthmark."
"Wow, I didn't know that." Pinkie Pie exclaims. "I thought you got hurt because of that mark."
"It's not." Rose Lotus shook her head. "It has a history culture in my old world in India."
Pinkie Pie understands a little, but decided not to question further as they then head downstairs. Pinkie Pie, Rose Lotus, and Djali walked into the kitchen when she started cooking some breakfast, but gives the goat some hay. Pinkie Pie cooked up some pancakes and she placed the plate of pancakes down in front of Rose Lotus.
"Thanks." Rose Lotus thanked her.
"You're welcome." Pinkie Pie said.
Pinkie Pie then finished cooking and placed the plate of pancakes on the table, sat in her seat, and then they started eating. Mr. and Mrs. Cake arrived in Sugarcube Corner, noticed Pinkie Pie and Rose Lotus just got finished eating, cleaning up the dishes.
"Good morning." Mrs. Cake greets. "I see that you've finished your breakfast."
"We have." Pinkie Pie answered. "Just thought I could do something nice for Rose and Djali."
"Well, that's very thoughtful, Pinkie." Mr. Cake states, smiled. "We just got here after having breakfast ourselves, we'll go and get it started."
Just as soon as the Sugarcube Corner opens, Rose Lotus walk towards the chair and sits on it while Djali sat next to her. Pinkie Pie and the Cakes knew what she was feeling and went over to talk to her.
"Are you okay?" Mrs. Cake asks, worried when Rose Lotus nods, until she felt tears beginning to escape her eyes.
"I just miss my family...and my people." Rose Lotus said, cried.
"Oh, I know you miss them, Rose." Mrs. Cake said, sat next to her and placed her hoof onto her before she brought the gypsy filly towards her side. "Some ponies might be wanting to get to know you, but it may take time. And both your parents and your people don't want you to be sad, after what you've told us."
"And besides, it's not the outside of yourself that matters, it's what is on the inside." Mr. Cake added. "Because you're a free-spirited young filly with a strong heart, and that's what we like about you."
Rose Lotus then smiled that she was getting some positive words about herself, until she hugged Mrs. Cake. Pinkie Pie then gasped, remembered something.
"Rose, you promised a performance today." Pinkie Pie said. "Rarity probably finished the new dress for you to perform, but I don't know what you're going to perform."
"Actually, it'll be dancing." Rose Lotus told her. "I used to dance in my old world, but I've done it with...you know?"
"That's easy enough." Pinkie Pie said. "I have instruments I can use."
Rose Lotus brought the tambourine out of her satchel.
"Usually, I've been doing some performing in the streets to earn some money. It wasn't much, but it keeps bread on a table." Rose Lotus explains.
"Well, you won't have to worry about it, because you're living here now." Mr. Cake assures her with a smile. "I know you're still trying to adjust and fitting in, but things like that just takes time."
"And he's right." The voice of Twilight said when she and Comet arrived at Sugarcube Corner. "It's like Comet and Apple Shine, they didn't start out that way either when they got here in Equestria."
"They didn't?" Rose Lotus asks.
"No, Comet was like that before he was given a closure to his old parents and his friends. And neither did Apple Shine." Twilight explains. "It took some time, but they accepted their new life after the closure."
Rose Lotus understands, but she was still sad after the loss which it'll take time for the scar in her heart to be mended, and both Pinkie Pie and the Cakes will be there to give her some comfort, love, and support.
"But Rose, I've managed to find out about the mirror you told us yesterday." Twilight said, changing the subject as she showed the image of the mirror to the gypsy filly. "The mirror is a magical item that can teleport you from your old world to Equestria, similar to the one that Blueblood uses when he placed Pear Butter and Bright Mac inside of the snow globe. Anyway, this mirror can only be connected to another world that a mirror like this one. But there's a catch, if you're teleported here, then your DNA will be altered."
"Then...I'm stuck in this form?" Rose Lotus asks with shock.
"I'm afraid so." Twilight nods, closing the book. "But Rose, there might be a reason why your late family have kept it hidden for a reason. I know it's hard to accept after what they did, but they had a reason why they want you to be safe and out of harm's way."
"But I wished they would come with me." Rose Lotus said sadly, starting to shed in tears.
"I know, but they don't want you to get killed which is why they stayed behind and destroyed it." Twilight points out. "They did it because they love you and they want you to live."
Rose Lotus can understand the reason why her late parents stayed behind, but she wanted them to go with her, but they didn't. They stayed behind because they don't want the Anti-Romani to follow them and kill them, preventing them for going after her in Equestria. Djali then approaches the gypsy filly, nuzzled her face for comfort.
"Rose, I know it's hard to accept and I get why you want your parents to go with you, but your parents didn't want the Anti-Romani to find you and why they stayed behind." Twilight told her. "I mean, if some pony would ever cause danger in Ponyville or Equestria? I would've sent Comet somewhere safe and buy some time."
"But you know Comet and your friends wouldn't want that." Rose Lotus told her, sighed. "All I ever want is to be with my parents and live here in Equestria."
"I know." Twilight said with a sad smile.
Rarity then arrived inside of the Sugarcube Corner, carrying the dress with her magic. She overheard the conversation a while ago and not to interrupt, but she entered after the talk is over.
"I've got a dress ready for the performance, darling." Rarity said, showing the new dress to Rose Lotus. "But Rose, we can't have you perform being sad. I overheard of the conversation when I was about to enter, but I decided to wait. So Rose, Twilight is right about their reason, but we understand you missed them. But they'll always be with you as long as you remember what they taught you. And they want you to live on and to be happy."
"Rarity's right, they also wanted what's best for you." Comet agrees, approaches Rose Lotus. "And we'll be there to help you make sure you have a good life and for you to make some friends. They want you to be safe because they care about you."
Rose Lotus then started to have a breakdown when Pinkie Pie and the Cakes hugged her since she couldn't believe what she was hearing. They knew she couldn't deal with it and having an emotional breakdown as they comfort the filly. After a few minutes, Rose Lotus finally calms down and turns to them.
"Thank you." Rose Lotus thanked them with sincere. "And you were right, my family and my people really cared about me. I still wish things were different if we live in Equestria, but I...I can't change it after what happen."
"No, but the only thing you can do is keep moving forward." Comet states. "It may be hard, but we'll help you."
"We all will." Twilight adds with a smile. "And we'll be there with every step of the way."
Rose Lotus gives them a nod with a smile, feeling grateful for their support.
"And the way you keep moving forward, is the performance." Rarity said. "Perform not only for your family and your people, but for yourself. And we'll be there to help you."
Rose Lotus then nods since she got all the help she needs to get ready for the performance.
Few hours later, all of the ponies from Ponyville were gathered around outside of the schoolhouse grounds, including Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and the royal guards. At the moment, Spike came out of the curtains.
"Fillies and gentlecolts, today I would like to announce that we have a special performance today." Spike announced. "Let's hear it for the new pony, Rose Lotus!"
From the red poof smoke and the music plays, Rose Lotus appeared on the stage with a new dress and Spike is nowhere on sight. She faced towards the crowd, tapping her tambourine. She spun around to the audience as the audience looked at the gypsy filly with awe of her beauty. Rose Lotus began to sing while tapping her tambourine.
Rose Lotus (Sings):
Hey, Soldier boy, I see how you stare
Hey, Butcher man, I see you admire
Come gather 'round
Hey, Jacques and Pierre!
Come see me dance
To the rhythm of the tambourine
Rose Lotus placed her tambourine on the ground, danced flirtatiously which it got the six mares shocked, along with Mario, Apple Shine, and Comet. Never in their life, they saw Rose Lotus was dancing so bold. Rose Lotus grasped her skirt and flipped it, spinning around gracefully while singing.
Rose Lotus (Sings):
Flash of an ankle
Flip of a skirt
Feel them excite, enflame and inspire
Come see me dance, hey, what can it hurt?
It's just a dance to the rhythm of the tambourine
Rose Lotus danced slowly, with her spun around, moving her fore-hooves in exotic way. She pulled out her purple sash and swung it around, she came towards one of the stallions, and wrapped her sash around his neck while giving him a peck on the nuzzle.
"Oh my...she's daring! And bold!" Rarity exclaims shockingly.
"Yeah, didn't think she had it in her." Rainbow Dash agrees.
"No kiddin', she's got spunk." Applejack adds.
Rose Lotus spun around on the stage and did a front flip as she landed, she did a full split and gave Comet a wink. Comet couldn't help but turned his head and blushed. She then broke out a song.
Rose Lotus (Sings):
Stallions of Equestria
Before we get old
Come feel the heat, come taste the desire
Feel them within you, crimson and gold
Gold like the coins you will toss them into my tambourine
When I dance to the rhythm of the tambourine!
Rose Lotus then grabs a spear from the guard, and she dug it in the stage. She swung around the spear and wrapped her hind leg around it and leaned back. The crowd was cheering and whistling wildly as Rose Lotus finished her dance and nod at the end.
Every pony clapped and cheered wildly for Rose Lotus' performance and threw coins at her.
"That was an excellent performance, Rose Lotus." Princess Celestia compliments when she and Princess Luna approaches the gypsy filly. "It comes to show that you're doing this for your family and your people, you've also gained support and confidence from your friends to perform. Your people would be proud of you."
"Thank you." Rose Lotus thanked her when Djali approaches and nuzzled her. "I wouldn't be able to perform if I didn't have help and confidence I need."
"We understand, it's hard and it takes time to mend the scar inside your heart." Princess Luna said with sympathy. "But Rose, you're not alone. Remember, you've got friends who can help you."
Rose Lotus then turns to the Mane 6, Mario, Comet, and Apple Shine approaching the gypsy filly with smiles on their faces.
"Your family and your people may not be here to see you perform, but they were watching from above. And I know they're proud of you of your performance." Comet states. "Also, they're still here...in your heart."
Comet then placed his hoof on her chest fur, where her heart is. Rose Lotus was shocked of his statement.
"He's right, even if your people is no longer with you, they'll always be with you in your heart." Pinkie Pie adds.
Rose Lotus then starts to shed in tears as she then hugs Pinkie Pie.
After the performance is over, Rose Lotus gathered the coins and place it in her satchel which it's enough for her to travel, but it'll have to wait until she's old enough to strike on her own. Rose Lotus, Pinkie Pie, and Djali were heading back to Sugarcube Corner.
"Pinkie?" Rose Lotus called her, earned her attention. "Would it be okay if I live in Sugarcube Corner?"
"Of course, I did promise that I would take care of you." Pinkie Pie answered happily. "I mean, we're going to have the most fun time ever. We'll get to bake sweets, play games, and even make some incredible parties for everypony!"
Rose Lotus couldn't help but giggle a bit while Djali rolled his eyes.
"Also, the Cakes are also gonna be there." Pinkie Pie continues. "First, we're going to have to get you registered so you can go to school. I promise, Cheerilee is one of the nicest schoolteachers, and she won't treat you differently, unlike those Anti-Romani."
Djali bleats, agreeing to Pinkie Pie.
"Well, if I'm going to school, I'll be needing some supplies I need if I'm going there." Rose Lotus points out.
"Good call." Pinkie Pie agrees. "But, why don't we do it tomorrow? Cuz' I'm getting hungry."
Rose Lotus nods with an agreement as she, Djali, and Pinkie Pie head to Sugarcube Corner to have something to eat, just as long as it's healthy and not getting the gypsy pony or the goat sick.
That's it for the 18th chapter.