//------------------------------// // A New Year in Equestria // Story: Life in Equestria: Holidays with Toby // by APoeticHeart //------------------------------// While the year was drawing to an end in Equestria, the kids of Ponyville Elementary School were sitting in class anxiously waiting for the end of the school week. Ms. Cheerilee was teaching a math lesson which the classed paid attention to, but with bored expressions. The bell that signaled the end of the day rung as the kids stood up from their desks and started to get ready to leave. “Have a good weekend students.” She smiled at them as they trotted by her to exit the schoolhouse. While they were leaving, Toby was following behind Applebloom and Scootaloo when Sweetie Belle came from behind and lifted him up on her back. He giggled and smiled at her. She smiled back at him. “Applebloom shouldn’t have all the fun carrying our cute little brother.” They all giggled as they headed toward the Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse. “So what do yall want to do for the weekend?” Applebloom asked looking at the three. Scootaloo was hovering in the air and clapped her forehooves together. “The three of us could have a sleepover at Fluttershy’s again, but this time with the coolest little brother in all of Equestria.” She smirked at Toby and rubbed at the top of his head making him giggle. “That sounds like a fun idea.” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. She turned her head back. “Do you think your momma will let us have a sleepover at yours and hers home Toby?” He smiled at the three. “I would like that. I am sure Momma won’t mind, but I will ask her.” The three nodded in agreement as they continued trotted along the road to Sweet Apple Acres. Suddenly an explosion was heard and the four looked up to the sky. They watched as the sky was lit up with fireworks of many colors. “Hm.. Ah wonder where those came from. Let’s go check it out yall.” Applebloom looked at the three and they nodded. Sweetie Belle smiled and looked back at the child on her back. “Hold on little brother.” He lightly wrapped his arms around her neck as the three fillies started to gallop toward the location of the fireworks. As they approached Ponyville, they could see a crowd of ponies gathered in the town square. They couldn’t see what had everypony’s attention so they decided to trot through the crowd. After a couple minute of struggling through the ponies, the four was able to make it up to the front. They saw Fluttershy and the others as they trotted up to them as Applebloom spoke up. “Howdy yall, what’s going on?” “Howdy girls and Toby. We are just waiting on Trixie to start her show.” Applejack tipped her hat. Sweetie Belle trotted over to Fluttershy as she let Toby climb up onto her back. “Here you go little brother.” She smiled at him. Fluttershy gave a blushing smile and turned to look at the little colt. “Hello sweetheart, did you have a good day at school today?” She reached over and nuzzled his cheek. “Yes I did Momma.” He hugged her around her neck as he looked in front of him at a big wooden stage with a blue curtain as its backdrop, and along the top were cutouts formed in the shape of a rocket, a sphere with three stars on springs coming out of it, and a spinning disk. A small blast of white sparks exploded on the stage and in a flash, a unicorn mare appeared. She had a powdered blue coat with a white and pale blue striped mane and tail. Her eyes were a deep violet hue, and for her cutie mark she had a magic wand sprinkling pixie dust. She wore a lavender cape and pointy hat that both had stars scattered all over. “Hello citizens of Ponyville, it is I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, and I have returned to wow you once again with my amazing magical performance!” She stood up on her hind legs and threw her forelegs in the air as some fireworks shot out from above the stage exploding into a beautiful show of light. Toby looked up in awe at the display of fireworks and a look of wonder came over his face. Fluttershy smiled up at the fireworks until she noticed Toby’s face. She looked at him curiously. “What are you thinking about sweetie?” He heard Fluttershy’s voice and looked at her. “Oh, I was just remembering how me and Mommy used to celebrate New Year’s Eve.” He gave her a soft smile. The others who were close together overheard him. Rarity spoke up first. “Darling, what is New Year’s Eve?” “Oh, it is a holiday where we celebrate the new year. Before midnight comes, we always count from ten to zero, and when the clock strikes midnight we say Happy New Year!” He smiled happily at the memory. Fluttershy smiled at her son. “That sounds like a good time with your mommy sweetheart. Um.. we don’t celebrate that holiday here though.” She gave a sad smile. Toby frowned and nuzzled his cheek against her cheek. “That is okay Momma, please don’t be sad.” She blushed as she rubbed her cheek against his warmly and gave him a kiss on his forehead. “Thank you my precious little one.” She squeed. The others d’awwed at the two as they looked up at the stage at Trixie. “Now, the Great and Powerful Trixie would like to call forth a volunteer to help with her spectacular performance.” She gave a smirk as she scanned the crowd. Her gaze fell upon the child on Fluttershy’s back and her smirk grew. “You there, the one on the yellow pony’s back.” She pointed a forehoof at Toby. He swallowed deeply and nervously spoke. “M-me?” She nodded. “Yes you. Trixie chooses you small one to come up on her stage.” She motioned with her forehoof for him to come up. He looked at Fluttershy for reassurance. She glanced at him and nodded as she leaned down on her forelegs for him to climb off her back. “It is okay sweetie, she won’t hurt you.” She looked up at Trixie. “Um.. you won’t hurt him, would you Trixie?” She held a forehoof on one his shoulders and rubbed it. Trixie chuckled some. “Haha.. don’t worry, Trixie won’t dare think about hurting one as young as this small one. Please young one, step up on Trixie’s stage and experience a performance you haven’t seen before.” Toby looked up at Fluttershy and the others as they gave him a reassuring nod. He looked toward the stage and started to walk toward it. He walked up onto the stage and approached Trixie looking up at her. Trixie smirked down at the child and placed a forehoof on his shoulder. “Now small one, would you mind telling Trixie and the audience your name.” He looked up at her and swallowed deeply. “My name is Toby Miss Trixie.” He gave a light smile up at her. She looked down at him surprised. “Well, it is Trixie’s pleasure to meet you Toby. Trixie is touched for you to call her Miss. However, small Toby, you may call Trixie just by her name.” He nodded. “Okay Trixie.” She smiled as she cleared her throat. “Now, mares and gentlecolts, be amazed as the Great and Powerful Trixie shall make this small one float in midair.” She looked down at him. “Now don’t be scared Toby, Trixie will make sure she doesn’t hurt you.” He nodded. She stepped back and took a deep breath. She looked at Toby, concentrating carefully. Her horn lit up and enveloped the child in a light blue aura. The aura had a comfortable and warm feeling to it as Toby felt himself being lifted into the air. He looked down to see he was about five feet off the ground and he looked out to the crowd. Trixie smirked at her work as she levitated the child up in the air. “How are you doing Toby?” He swallowed deeply and spoke a little nervously as he could feel himself floating. “I- I am doing okay Trixie.” The crowd stamped their hooves on the ground to give the magician and Toby a round of applause. Toby giggled as he felt light as a feather and stretched out his arms freely while being enveloped in Trixie’s magical aura. Trixie bowed her head yet keeping her focus on the child so not to drop him “Thank you, thank you.” She smiled proudly as she turned her attention from the crowd to Toby. “Alright small one, Trixie is going to let you feel what is like to fly. Are you ready?” He nodded. Trixie concentrated her magic on Toby and slowly laid him on his stomach in the air. She used her magic to make the child float above the crowd. They were watching the kid with fascination. Fluttershy looked up worriedly at him. “Um.. please be careful with him Trixie.” She said softly. Trixie looked at Fluttershy while still being careful with Toby. “Don’t worry, Trixie is always careful.” She smirked as she made the child do some flips and loopy loops in the air. “Hehe.. haha.. this is fun Trixie.” He said happily as he laughed. The crowd laughed along with him as they stomped their hooves on the ground. Trixie made him do a couple more loopy loops before carefully bringing him back and lowering him down on the stage. She gave a sly smile as she trotted up to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “How was that Toby? Did you enjoy that?” He smiled up at her brightly. “Yes I did Trixie that was so much fun!” He laughed. Trixie chuckled in return. She carefully turned him toward the crowd setting her hooves on his shoulders. “Mars and gentlecolts, give a round applause for this small yet very cute and sweet volunteer, Toby.” She gave him a wink as she bowed her head followed by Toby. The crowd gave him a loud ovation. Trixie patted his shoulder and looked down at him. “You may return to your friends Toby.” He nodded as he carefully walked off the stage and back toward the group. The CMC kept their applause going as they pulled him into a big group hug. “That was awesome little brother.” They said in unison. Trixie took one last big bow for the crowd. “Thank you all for coming to watch the Great and Powerful Trixie. May you all have a splendid day.” She stood up on her hind legs to one final ovation before coming down on her forelegs to make a small blast. In a flash the stage folded up into a wagon. The crowd slowly dispersed leaving only Toby and the others. He looked up at Fluttershy with a hopeful smile. “Momma, can Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle have a sleepover at our house tonight?” Fluttershy looked down with a soft smile at her son. “Well sweetheart… umm..” She was cut off by the three fillies. “Please?” they asked in unison. Fluttershy looked at Applejack and Rarity. “Um.. if it is okay with Applejack and Rarity, then yes sweetie, you all can have a sleepover tonight.” She turned her attention to the two mares. “Um.. is that okay with you Rarity and Applejack?” Rarity looked at the four and nodded. “It is alright with me darling Fluttershy.” She turned to Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie, now don’t get into too much trouble like last time you girls slept over at Fluttershy’s.” “Don’t worry Rarity, we won’t do anything like that ever again. We learned our lesson. Didn’t we girls?” Sweetie Belle looked at the other two who nodded. “It is fine with me sugarcube.” Applejack smiled and tipped her hat. “It is cool with me. Besides, the squirt will make sure it is twenty percent cooler, right Scoots?” Rainbow smirked. Scootaloo smiled and hovered in the air. “You bet Rainbow.” She swooped down and lifted Toby onto her back. Toby giggled as he carefully held onto her neck. “It is my turn to carry our cool little brother this time.” She smiled back at the child as he returned it. The others laughed as they trotted back toward their homes. While the three fillies and Toby were ahead of the adults Fluttershy looked to Twilight. ‘Um.. Twilight.. um.. if it is okay with you could I maybe come to the library tonight when I put Toby to bed?” “Of course Fluttershy.” Twilight replied. Fluttershy smiled softly at the alicorn as she turned to the others. “Um.. in fact.. um.. if it is okay with the rest of you, could you all come by the library tonight? I want to talk to you all about something.” They all nodded as they decided to go their separate ways to their homes. After Fluttershy and the four young ones arrived at the cottage she looked at them. “Okay girls and Toby sweetheart, I am going to go fix you all a little snack.” She looked at the three fillies. “You three behave now.” She said with a soft yet stern tone and turned to trot into the kitchen. Scootaloo let Toby climb off her back and the four took a seat on the rub in the center of the den. Toby looked at the three. “Before Momma comes back in with our snacks, what do you want to do?” Applebloom put a forehoof up to her chin in a thinking manner. “Aha.. Ah know what we could do.” She gave small glances at the other two fillies. “Are yall thinking what Ah’m thinking?” The other two nodded as they gave each other a sly smirk. They turned their attention to the child with soft yet mischievous smiles. Scootaloo quickly moved behind Toby and placed her forehooves on his shoulders as she sat on her haunches. Toby tilted his head back looking up at her with a bright smile on her face as she patted his shoulders. “It’s okay buddy, we aren’t going to hurt you.” The other two trotted up to him on each side. “Yah, little brother, your big sisters just want to tickle ya.” Sweetie and Applebloom both gently grabbed at his sides and started rubbing their forehooves along them causing him to giggle. “Oh, hehe.. no..hahaha..not again.. hehehe.” He hugged himself around his stomach to try and stop from them tickling, but to no avail. They tickled along his sides, arms, and around to his back. “Hahahaha.. p-please stop…hehehe..” He rolled onto his side laughing hysterically. The three smiled down at the giggling child and decided to let him up. He unwrapped his arms from around his stomach. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle smiled at him and both decided to blow a raspberry on his tummy. He giggled and wiggled a little bit before sitting back up. The three fillies laughed and smiled at him as Scootaloo rubbed at the top of his head gently. “We love tickling our little brother.” She gave him a smirk as she trotted back over to sit down. He smiled happily at them as Fluttershy hovered back in the den with a tray of four glasses of milk and a plate of chocolate chip cookies. She sat the tray down in the middle of the rug. “Here you go kids. Pinkie Pie can bake a batch of cookies in the blink of an eye when she hears about sleepovers.” She giggled and made a blushing smile. The three fillies each grabbed a cookie with their teeth and their glasses of milk with their forelegs. ‘Thank you Fluttershy.” They said in unison. She nodded and laid down beside Toby He looked up with a soft smile as he took a cookie and took a bite of it He sighed warmly as he chewed it and swallowed his first bite. “Mmm.. those are good Momma.” He then took a drink of his milk. She smiled down at him and gave him a kiss on the top of his head. After the fillies and child finished their cookies and milk, they all let out a collective set of yawns. Fluttershy lightly giggled. “Oh my, it looks like you are all sleepy.” She looked down at her son and nuzzled at his cheek. “Are you ready to go to bed sweetheart?” He blinked his eyes tiredly and nodded as he looked at the other three who nodded in agreement “Yes Momma.” “Okay sweetie, climb on up.” He climbed carefully up onto her back as she stood up on all four legs along with the fillies. They trotted upstairs to Fluttershy’s bedroom as she trotted over to the bed to tuck Toby in. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle sat on their haunches at the foot of the bed watching their little brother. Sweetie Belle beamed happily and asked “Fluttershy could I maybe sing Toby to sleep tonight?” She looked at both with a hopeful smile. The other two fillies shook their head vigorously Fluttershy gave an awkward smile as she looked at Toby. “Sweetheart, would you like for your big sister Sweetie Belle to sing to you tonight?” Toby looked at Sweetie Belle who still had a hopeful smile on her face. He then looked at the other two who mouthed no silently and he gave a little giggle “Okay Sweetie Belle, I would like that.” Applebloom and Scootaloo face-hooved themselves. They placed their forehooves against their ears followed by Fluttershy. Sweetie Belle trotted over to the side of the bed and gave her little brother a warm smile. She cleared her throat and started to sing. After Sweetie Belle got done singing Fluttershy and the other two fillies rubbed at their ears with their forehooves. The child smiled and clapped his hands as Sweetie Belle beamed and took a bow. He giggled happily. "That was real good Sweetie Belle, thank you." Sweetie Belle smiled softly and leaned over to give him a gentle kiss on his forehead. "You are very welcome little brother. Goodnight Toby and sweet dreams." She reached a foreleg up and rubbed at his side as he curled up under the bed sheets. Applebloom trotted up to the side of the bed. Applebloom reached over to give him a nuzzle on his cheek and Scootaloo reached up with one of her wings to rub at his side. He smiled softly at them letting out a soft yawn. "Goodnight big sisters and Momma." He softly closed his eyes and began to sleep peacefully. Fluttershy smiled warmly at the three fillies before leaning over to give him a kiss on his forehead. "Goodnight my precious little one." She trotted toward the steps quietly and motioned for the CMC. They carefully trotted over to her and sat down on their haunches. Fluttershy spoke quietly. "Um.. girls.. do you think you can watch Toby for a little bit? I got to go meet Twilight and the others at the lirbrary." They nodded in unison. "Ya bet Fluttershy. We can watch our little brother. We will be.." The other two joined in as they said in a whispered tone. "THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS BIG SISTER WATCHERS!" They bumped their forehooves together and smiled proudly. Fluttershy giggled and nodded. "Thank you girls. I will be back soon." She looked over at her son curled up under the blankets as she turned to descend the stairs and trot out of the cottage. The three fillies turned and quietly trotted back to the bed to watch over their little brother as he slept peacefully. "Aww.. Rarity was right, he is simply adorable when he is sleeping." Sweetie Belle exclaimed. "Yah he is. Ah am so proud that he is calling us his big sisters." Applebloom smiled happily at the sleeping child. "Bleh.. don't get too mushy now you two." Scootaloo shook her head and looked at him. "He is cute though when he is sleeping. He is cute all the time though." She chuckled along with the other two as they laid down at the foot of the bed. In the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight the others were awaiting the arrival of Fluttershy until there was a knock at the door. Twilight opened the door with her magic to reveal the timid Pegasus. "Um.. hi girls.. I am sorry I am late. I had to tuck Toby into bed, and I asked if the girls would watch over him while I am gone." She trotted to the center of the library and sat with everypony. Rarity gave her a warm smile. "Don't worry about it darling Fluttershy." She looked at her curiously. "If I may ask dear, why did you want to meet us at this time of night?" The others nodded in agreement as the looked at Fluttershy. "Well.. umm.. I was thinking what if we could celebrate New Year's Eve here in Equestria not only this year but every year? Um.. you know, we could do it for Toby." She gave a light smile. Twilight thought for a bit and smiled brightly. "You know what Fluttershy, that sounds like a good idea." She brought a hoof up to her chin and looked over at Spike who was sitting beside her. "Spike, take a letter." He nodded as he retrieved a quill and scroll. "Alright Twilight, ready when you are." She nodded and sighed deeply. Dear Princess Celestia, Earlier today our young friend, nephew, and Fluttershy's son Toby told us about a special holiday that him and his mommy celebrated at the beginning of the year on Earth called New Year's Eve. They would celebrate it at midnight, and when the clock struck midnight, him and his mommy would say Happy New Year. Unfortunately we told him that we didn't celebrate that time here in Equestria. Well, my friend and the Element of Kindness, Fluttershy came up with an idea that we could celebrate this New Year's Eve not just this year, but every year. Also, Toby says they celebrated New Year's at midnight which is during Princess Luna's time here in Equestria. Me and my friends are in the library and will be waiting on your response. Your fellow princess, Twilight Sparkle "Okay Spike, send it." She smiled at the baby dragon as he nodded. He grabbed the scroll in his claw and blew a green flame at it making it vanish. "Now all we do is see if Celestia can reply before it does get midnight." She gave each of her friends a soft smile. Pinkie Pie was hopping excitedly. "Ooh, I am so excited. I sure do hope Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will let us celebrate this new holiday, especially with our little wittle cutie wutie nephew." "Calm down sugarcube. Ah am sure that the princess will let us celebrate New Year's Eve with the little feller." Applejack smiled and tipped her hat. After a couple of minutes there was a rumbling sound coming from Spikes stomach as he belched out green fire revealing a scroll. 'Well, that was fast." He said with a light chuckle and passed the scroll to Twilight. Dear Twilight Sparkle, Upon your request, myself and my sister have decided to bring in this new celebration to Equestria. I ask for you, your friends, and our young nephew to meet us on the hilltop where you hold picnics. There we will bring forth this New Year's Eve to Ponyville. My sister and I will be waiting on your arrival. Sincerely your fellow princess, Princess Celestia "Well, girls I say we should get ready to go meet the princesses." Twilight said with a big smile as they all stood up and let out a yawn. Pinkie bounced. 'Ooh, ooh, this calls for a special surprise of mine. I shall meet you all at the hilltop." She saluted the other with a forehoof and hopped out of the library. "Um. I am going to go and get Toby and the girls so we can meet you at the hilltop." Fluttershy gave them a soft smile as she trotted out of the library along with the others. Twilight looked the remaining three. "Well, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity, I guess that leaves us to go on ahead." The three nodded as the four headed to their destination. With the sleeping child on her back Fluttershy and the Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived at the hilltop where her friends, the princesses, and Trixie was waiting. She carefully trotted over a space between Rarity and Applejack, and gently sat down so not to disturb him. The time was eleven fifty, ten minutes until midnight and the beginning of the new year. Rarity looked at the sleeping child curled up underneath a blanket and reached up a foreleg to stroke at his back. He started to stir a little bit as he blinked his eyes open to see her. He let out a soft yawn. He blinked his eyes again and saw that he was outside and he carefully looked around to see his family. Fluttershy gave a blushing smile and nuzzled at his cheek. "Sweetheart, Momma and the rest of your family decided to bring New Year's Eve here to Equestria. We have ten more minutes until it becomes midnight." He smiled softly as he let out another soft yawn. "Oh, okay Momma." He looked around at the others as they gave him big smiles. Trixie and Twilight stood on opposite sides of the group so they could make fireworks with their magic when the time comes. Pinkie Pie stood up on her hind legs and pulled out what appeared to be a bazooka. Applejack looked at her pink friend curiously. "Pinkie, what in tarnation is that thing?" Pinkie giggled. "Oh, Applejack you silly willy. This is my extra special firework launcher. This will make the sky light up with many super duper happy colors." She placed it on her shoulder and aimed at the sky. As eleven fifty-nine came Celestia and Luna looked at Toby. "My dear nephew, could you lead us into counting down to the new year?" Luna asked with a warm smile. Toby nodded as he returned the smile. "Okay Auntie Luna." He let out a happy sigh as he waited until it got down to twelve seconds. "Okay everyone, let's start." Twilight and Trixie winked at each other as they pointed their horns at the sky and concentrated their magic. Pinkie Pie pulled down a pair of black shades and licked her lips as she prepared to shoot her firework launcher. The others smiled as the countdown started. "10.. 9.. 8.. 7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. HAPPY NEW YEAR!" They all said together as Trixie and Twilight beamed their magic toward the night sky and Pinkie launched her fireworks. The night sky was filled with a shower of multi-colored sparks that formed into shapes such as the sun, moon, and ponies. Toby looked up in awe and wonder at the sight. The others done the same as they were wowed by the show of bright, colorful, and beautiful lights. While fireworks were being displayed, the ponies of Ponyville came out of their houses to watch. The princesses could see some ponies outside from the hilltop. Luna turned to Celestia. "Tia, should we let them know what is going on?" Celestia gave her sister a warm smile. "No, not yet little sister. I think we should let them enjoy this moment." She looked up at the sky followed by Luna who smiled warmly. Toby looked all around at his family as they all looked up at the display of colors with big smiles. He gave Fluttershy a big hug around her neck. "I love you Momma. Happy New Year." She smiled warmly at him and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Momma loves you to sweetheart. Happy New Year Toby." She reached a foreleg up to gently wrap around his shoulder. Together they all watched in wonder at the beginning of a new year in Equestria. Meanwhile deep in the caverns below the rock quarry of Equestria, the Diamond Dogs was searching for gems. "Come on boss, can't we stop. My paws are killing me." Fido spoke with his low tone and grunted. He rubbed at his sore hind paws as he sat down on the ground. "Yea, let's take a rest Rover. We can search for gems another day." Spot, the smaller of the three spoke up with a higher tone as he did the same. Rover face-pawed himself. "Neh.. alright, just for a little bit." He said in a high-pitched raspy tone. "Besides I can't get my mind off that little brat that made us look like fools." "Uh, you mean that runt of a nephew of the whiny pony boss?" Fido asked only to get smacked in the back of the head by Rover. "Neh.. yes you brainless fool. He stomped on my paw then that whiny pony dropped that tree limb on me." He grunted. "She did it to all of us Rover, not just you." Spot spoke up only to get smacked in the back of the head as well. "Neh.. just shut up you two. We got to figure out how we are going get those two back." "How boss? You know that the whiny pony will have her other pony friends with her." This time Rover bopped Fido on the head with his paw made into a fist. "Neh.. I know that dummy." He placed a claw against his chin and started to think. "Aha.. I know exactly who we can go see." He made an evil grin. "Who Rover?" Spot asked. "Yea, who boss?" Fido asked next. Both were grabbed by their collars. "Just follow me you two. We are going to pay a visit to the badlands." He laughed mischievously. "The Badlands?!" The two asked in shock as they followed behind Rover through the caverns to be undetected. "Yes you idiots. I think I know someone who might be able to help us." Rover said with his evil grin growing wider.