It has been about three weeks since the whole Parasprite incident happened in Ponyville, but everypony was back to doing what they usually do in their daily lives. Well, all except for TOBOR of course. After announcing the news to his friends, TOBOR went on and purchased the old Maple Cafe building Rainbow Dash talked about. Though, when the Pegasus android took a look inside, he almost thought of just burning the whole place down. The inside of the old cafe was completely withered. Tiles were missing and dirty, the windows were broken, furniture's were flipped, and... oddly enough, a family of raccoons were living in it. No wonder why the place was sold so cheap.
Anyway, after TOBOR called for repair services, which really made a dent in TOBOR's funding, he went back to work with the Apple Family for the winter. Since then, TOBOR was finally able to meet the rest of Applejack's family members, Big Mac and Granny Smith. Granny was already open to let TOBOR into the family when she thought he was Applejack's new 'coltfriend' to TOBOR's amusement. Big Mac wasn't sure about the white robot at first, but eventually warmed up to TOBOR. Apple Bloom was really fun to play with when her and TOBOR were done getting apples. Who new a filly like her loved flying at such high velocity.
TOBOR also spent some spare time with Fluttershy since most of her animal friends were hibernating. The two have been getting to know each other when they have tea, even though TOBOR can't drink for obvious reasons. Next came Pinkie Pie as the hypoactive party planner finally was able to throw a "Welcome to Ponyville Winter Party" for the robot. Everypony that came to the party was sure fascinate by the metal pony. When Rarity came in line, she insisted that she would make a lovely sweater for TOBOR. Rainbow Dash would try to beat TOBOR in a race, but failed each time when the robot uses his boosters.
Finally, Twilight would have TOBOR come over to answer more questions about his world. The robot would tell about his world's government, currency, politics, history, etc.. Twilight was fascinated by all the information TOBOR was giving. Though, he wished Trixie could join too, but she was in Canterlot checking in on her new custom trailer. Other than that, TOBOR was having the time of his artificial life spending time with his new friends.
'Friends...'
TOBOR really misses his old friends back in his world, especially his little sister, Makato. He hopes that Makato is safe from Dr. F's lethal tests. She means the world to TOBOR. Though, TOBOR has to move on and try to continue his new life in Equestria. However, no matter what, he will always keep the ones he holds dear to him in his power core.
Present...
Golden Oak Library
TOBOR felt so relaxed after he woken up from Sleep Mode. Using those boosters to race Rainbow and play airplane ride with Apple Bloom can sure drain him really fast. Might need to cut back on the flying for awhile. Anyway, TOBOR decided to recharge at Twilight's treehouse since she was the closest out of anypony at the time. However, when the white robot woke up, he notices that it was still dark outside the library from his window.
"I guess it's still early." TOBOR said as he walks out of the guest bedroom. "I wonder what I can do for the time being?"
"Well, you can come with me to Winter Wrap Up!"
TOBOR let's out a yelp before falling backwards in surprise.
"W-what? Twilight?" TOBOR staggers.
"I said you can come with me to Winter Wrap Up." Twilight toned down her excitement as she levitates TOBOR back to his hooves.
"Winter Wrap Up?" TOBOR questions. "What's that?"
"It the time when Ponyville cleans up Winter for Spring tomorrow."
"Clean up Winter? Why would they do that?"
"It's Ponyville's traditions to clean up Winter and let in Spring without magic."
"Oh, well that's interesting." TOBOR said. "Though, why this early?"
"I want to be up and ready to help everypony with this fantastic event."
"But the sun hasn't come up yet. I'm pretty sure everypony is still asleep, Twi."
"Huh?"
Twilight trots down the stairs and to the door before she opens it. She can see that the robot pony was right as it was still dark out.
"Oh... I guess it is too early." Twilight says sheepishly.
"Well, if you want I can keep you company." TOBOR said. "I'm fully charged and I got nothing else to do."
"Hmm... well, can you help me with the books? Spike forgot to rearrange them yesterday."
"Sure."
After awhile of stocking books and passing the time, TOBOR and Twilight went off to the center of town, along with Spike to the little dragon's dismay. TOBOR can see a lot of ponies gathered around Town Hall as well. He also notices that the majority of them were wearing different vests of tan, green, and blue.
'Well, this is interesting.' TOBOR thought.
"Isn't this going to be fun, guys?" Twilight asks. "I can't wait to be apart of Ponyville's traditions."
"I am rather curious of what 'cleaning up winter' will be like." TOBOR said.
"I don't know about you two, but I'd rather stay home and read more 'Mr. L' comics." Spike said.
"Comics?" TOBOR raised an eyebrow. "I thought you would want to go back to sleep."
"I would, but those comics of yours became my second favorite comic book series."
"Second? What's your first?"
"The Power Ponies, duh."
TOBOR chuckled. What a strange little dragon.
"Alright, Spike."
A moment later, the group made it to the center of town where a crowd of ponies have gathered.
"Thank you, everypony, for being here bright and early." Mayor Mayor said as she gives her speech. "We need every single pony's help to wrap up winter, and bring in spring."
The crowd cheered. TOBOR guessed that this Winter Wrap Up thing is really a big deal if these ponies were this excited.
"Now, all of you have your vests, and have been assigned to your teams, so let's do even better than last year, and have the quickest Winter Wrap Up ever!"
The crowd cheered once more as they stomp the ground with their hooves. TOBOR thought it was their way of clapping.
"Oh, this is so exciting." Twilight said.
"All right everypony, find your team leader, and let's get galloping!" Mayor Mare said as she and the crowd disperse. Leaving only TOBOR and Twilight by themselves.
"So, what now?" TOBOR asks.
"Now, we go and pick a team." Twilight said. "Oh gosh, where should I go? I'm not sure where I fit in. What exactly does everypony do?"
"Well, we could go and look around. I'm sure one of these teams are just for you."
"Excuse me?"
Both ponies turn to see a brown stallion wearing a hardhat and an orange vest next to them.
"Uh, hello?" TOBOR greeted.
"Are you the pony name TOBOR?" The stallion asks in a Manehatten accent.
"Uh, yeah. That's me." TOBOR answered. "Who are you?"
"My name is Rusty Wrench. I'm the manager of Ponyville's construction crew." The stallion said. "I'm here to inform you that your restaurant is almost done."
"For real? That's awesome!" TOBOR said happily.
"However, before we can make any finishing touches, I need you to take a look of the place."
"I could do that." TOBOR said before turning to Twilight. "Are you going to be fine on your own?"
"I will, I'm going to go and see what group fits me." Twilight smiles. "I'll catch you later after a while."
"Alright, good luck out there, Twi." TOBOR turns to Spike. "Try not to catch a cold, dude."
"Hey, I'm a dragon. I have fire in me." Spike pouted.
TOBOR playfully rolls his digital eyes before waving the purple duos goodbye.
"Aright, Rusty, let's go check out the place."
After a bit of walking, both organic and non-organic ponies made it to the lot. The once withered diner was good as new. The windows were fixed, the furniture were replaced with new ones , and the family of raccoons were taken care of thanks to a certain shy Pegasus.
"As you can see, my crew is nearly done." Rusty said as workers were still... well, working. "It was a difficult task when we installed the electricity in this old place, but I can assure you that everything is in tip-top shape."
TOBOR can only stare in awe and amazement. Everything was just the way he wanted it to be. The whole place had a Modern theme to it like the ones back in his world. TOBOR was really impressed with the Rusty's crew. They even installed a mini bar he ordered.
"This is amazing, Rusty." TOBOR said. "You and your buddies really did a great job."
"Why, thank you." The stallion nodded. "It was nice working with you Mr. TOBOR. However, before we make our leave, there is one last thing I need you to do."
"Oh? What's that?" TOBOR asks.
In one swift move, the brown pony pulls a paper out of nowhere and presents it TOBOR.
"Your payment."
"What, but I already payed you." TOBOR said, all excitement from earlier gone.
"Yes, you did. However, your renovation plan costs extra, not to mention the mini bar we built."
"Oh, I see." TOBOR sighed. "So, what's the cost?"
"Well, it's going to be about..." Rusty looks over the bill before speaking up. "...6580 bits in total."
"WHAT?!" TOBOR let out a few sparks in shock. "THAT MUCH?!"
"Well, yeah." The brown stallion said unfazed. "I mean, it wasn't easy installing electricity. We had to redo some of the walls in order to fit the wiring. Don't want to start a fire, now do we?"
TOBOR could only stare as his digital eyes twitch slightly. This was a major problem.
'This is not good. TOBOR thought. 'That's just leave me around 500 bits left. I won't be able to pay for my employees! I'm going to need a lot of help, especially if that HayBurgers place is really going to declare war on my turf like Trixie warned me about.'
TOBOR sighed deeply. He knew there wasn't a loophole to bypass through. He was cornered.
"Alright..." TOBOR said he pixels in a brown sack. "Here's your payment."
TOBOR hoofs over the bag to the work-stallion.
"Pleasure doing business with you Mr. TOBOR." Rusty nods. "You can continue on with the rest of your day. I'll send somepony to deliver the keys to your restaurant."
"Thanks..."
TOBOR turns around and walks out into the still snow-covered streets.
'I bucking should of asked Cave for his services instead.'
TOBOR was by himself as he walks down the snowy street. He felt so foolish for overdoing it with the restaurant's new design.
"How am I going to get enough money for my employees?" TOBOR grumbles.
Truth be told, TOBOR might of also overdone it a bit with ordering the ingredients he wanted to use for his restaurant. After visiting Canterlot, from Rarity's recommendation, TOBOR spent over 1000 bits from his little shopping spree. At the time, he was not worried about his budget as he thought he will still have enough to pay for workers since he already bought the used-to-be cafe. Now, it seems like his little mistake has come back to haunt him.
"You know what? It doesn't matter. I'm sure I can get the money back by the end of the week." TOBOR narrowed his digital eyes. "If these ponies were so excited to go to HayBurgers when they opened here, I'm sure they will go for my place too."
THUD
TOBOR stopped his rantings as he crashes in the side of a familiar treehouse. TOBOR grunts in annoyance before going around, and stepping through the front door. Though, when he stepped inside, he was shocked to see Twilight in a tub of tomato paste with Spike scrubbing.
"Twilight?!" TOBOR said surprised. "I though you were out find a group or something. What happened to you?!"
"Oh, hi, TOBOR." Twilight greets back unamused. "Well, I've had the worst of luck all day."
"What happened?"
"Twilight and I went out to find the team for her like we mentioned before you left." Spike starts explaining. "We went to the Weather Team with Rainbow Dash, but since she isn't a Pegasus, she couldn't join. Then, we over to the Animal Team where Rarity was making nests. Twilight tried to make a nest but..."
"It turned out terrible." Twilight sighs.
"Hey, it couldn't of been that bad." TOBOR tries to cheer up.
"Oh, it was terrible alright." Spike chuckles, but shuts up after seeing TOBOR's glare. "Uh, anyway... we then ran into Pinkie Pie. Turns out she's in the Weather Team."
"I thought only Pegasi can be in that team."
"They are, but Pinkie is put in charge of scoring the ice at the lake so it will be easier to melt when the Weather Team clear away the clouds. Twilight tried to help out, but-"
"It was my first time ice-skating." Twilight finishes.
"It didn't work out so well."
"Oh, dear..." TOBOR says.
"Yeah. Anyway, after we crashed, Pinkie said that Fluttershy could use some help with the animals-"
"But, by judging of those bee stings and that fowl odor my sensor are detecting, it didn't end well?"
"Yep."
TOBOR sighs. Here he was complaining to himself about how tough his day is going, when one of his friends are having it worse.
"Though, Twilight could of did all of that stuff easily if she would of just-"
"No, no, no! I'm not gonna use magic!" Twilight shouts as her tub splashes a little. "I'm going to find some other way to help out if it kills me!"
TOBOR smiles a little at Twilight's determination.
"Say, after you get cleaned up, how about we head over to Applejack's? I'm sure she'll have something for us to do."
"She might." Twilight was splashed with more tomato paste. "Hey, I haven't had a chance to asks earlier, how's your restaurant going."
TOBOR's eyes widen. He can't tell her or the others that he's going bankrupt.
"Uh, well..." TOBOR's eyes shifted. "My restaurant is going fantastic. It is actually done at this point. They work-ponies are just making some last checks before they finish."
"That's great, TOBOR." Spike said.
"Yeah... great...." TOBOR silently sighs.
After treating Twilight's previous condition, the group made their way towards Applejack's farm. When they got there, they see a lot of ponies, mostly Earth Ponies, plowing through the fields with snowplows. Up ahead, they can see Applejack herself giving directions to the hardworking ponies.
"Keep pushin', Caramel." Applejack shouts out. "That's it, Bumpkin. I know it's hard work, but you guys are doin' great. Yee-haw!"
"Hey, Applejack." Twilight greeted. "How's everything going?"
"Oh, just dandy. A little slow startin', but peachy all the same. There's a lot of ground to clear, ya hear? We can't even start the plantin' and the waterin' until we git all these heap a' snow hightailed outta here."
"Well, me and TOBOR would like to help."
Applejack pauses as she comprehends on what she just heard.
"Well, I..." Applejack hesitates. "I dunno, Twilight. I can see how TOBOR can help from what I've seen, but..."
"Just give me a chance." Twilight says with a pleading smile.
"Well, I never turn down a hard worker, but..."
Twilight didn't waste time as she trots over to the snowplows with TOBOR in tow. When they gotten themselves hooked up, the both started plowing the snow away. Well, TOBOR was plowing with ease while Twilight was struggling to move the farm tool.
TOBOR was already up ahead with removing the snow. Though, as he went he felt bad for Twilight. From what he heard from before, the librarian was doing her very best to help, but it was not working.
"I wish I could help Twilight out." TOBOR said to himself. "Maybe I can-"
TOBOR pauses as he turns to see, to his surprise, Twilight catching up to him. A small part of him felt happy that Twilight was finally coming around like she want, but the bigger part of him was very suspicious at how his friend suddenly became strong enough to do the job right. Soon, Twilight was by TOBOR's side, though not for long as she speeds away.
"What the?" TOBOR says confused before he too speeds up.
As TOBOR starts catching up to Twilight, he realizes that they were both picking up speed.
"Slow down. Slow down!"
TOBOR heard Twilight, but she sounded like she was in trouble. TOBOR figures out that something was wrong.
"Hang on, Twilight! I'm coming!" TOBOR says as he puts more power into his movement.
A moment later, TOBOR was by Twilight's side as they both plow past other ponies. It looks more like a snowplow style drag-race.
"Twilight, what are you doing? Slow down!"
"I can't!" She says.
TOBOR was about to ask why when his sensors picked up energy readings. He knew what that meant.
"You're using magic, Twilight?!" TOBOR asks as he narrowly misses another pony.
"Yes!"
"Why?! I thought you said you-"
"Look out!"
TOBOR looks ahead to see that they were heading towards Applejack and Spike. TOBOR steers to another direction away from the pony and dragon. However, Twilight was unable to as she plows right into the unfortunate duos. TOBOR watches as the group speed down the field before-
CRASH
The group crashed into a large hillside. To TOBOR's relief, the ponies and dragon onboard didn't look hurt. Though, a moment later, the snow that was settling on the hillside gave out as it slides down. The snow-slide covered the entire field that the other ponies were just done with. All of their previous hard work was gone to waste. They did not look happy one bit.
TOBOR quickly unhooks himself from his plow before he makes his way towards his fallen friends. After a quick scan, TOBOR found his friends' heat signatures. He didn't waste no time and starts digging. A moment later, he was able to dig up his friends from their snowy prisons.
"Guys! I'm so glad you're alright!" TOBOR says as he pulls them out.
"Yeah, we're fine..." Applejack said as she faces Twilight with a stern look. "But we never would of gotten into this mess if Twilight didn't use magic!"
"The nerve. Can you believe her?" Spike adds his two bits in.
TOBOR paused after hearing what Spike just said.
'Is that dirty little reptile bucking for real right now?'
"That's not how we do it 'round here, Twilight." Applejack continues. "And especially not on MAH farm."
Twilight starts to tear up.
"Well, see, I just wanted to... Oh!"
"Twilight! Wait!" TOBOR tries to stop the unicorn.
Twilight just galloped out of the snowy field, and went towards Ponyville. TOBOR couldn't believe at what he just witnessed. That so-called little brother sold out his own sister. This made the Pegasus robot mad. He turns to the little dragon, who shrunk in fear after meeting his gaze.
"Are you serious, Spike?" TOBOR said firmly. "Did you just scold Twilight for something you were apart of?"
"I-"
"Don't you give me any excuses there lizard-boy." TOBOR narrowed his eyes. "You are partly at fault at this. You kept encouraging Twilight to use her magic all morning even though she didn't wanted to in the first place. This is just like the Trixie incident all over again."
TOBOR turns around getting ready for take off.
"Spike, I know you want Twilight to be the very best, you want to encourage her that, but there comes a time when you need to let it go." TOBOR says as his boosters activated. "Now, if I were you, I would go find and comfort Twilight before things get worse."
TOBOR flies off towards Ponyville. As he leaves, Spike hangs his head down in shame before going off to find his sister. Hopefully, he would make things right.
TOBOR was not having a good day. He thought that he would relieve his stressful morning by helping out with Twilight, but life seems to have a funny way of messing with people. Right now, TOBOR was just flying around looking for any other work he could do in the mean time. He would of tried to find Twilight and comfort her himself, but he made it clear that Spike is going to have to. He made that little dragon get the message.
"Now what am I suppose to do around here-"
BANG
"OW!"
TOBOR's thought's were once again interrupted by a crash. He looks up to see a Pegasus mare. She had a violet colored coat with messy pink mane and tail. The mare was currently rubbing her head as she hisses in pain. TOBOR put two and two together before his digital eyes widened.
"Oh my Sims!" TOBOR panics. "I am SO sorry about that!"
"UGH, WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING YOU BU-" The mare paused when she saw TOBOR. "Hey! You're that Pegasus that can fly faster than Rainbow Dash?"
TOBOR sighed. He given up trying to tell these ponies that he wasn't really a real pony many days ago. He figured to let them believe that he was real.
"Yeah, that's me." TOBOR replied. "Listen, I'm sorry for ramming into you. I wasn't pay attention to where I was going."
"It's alright. I wasn't paying attention either." The mare said. "My name is Rainbowshine."
'Rainbowshine?' TOBOR questions in his thoughts.
"I was looking for Rainbow Dash."
"What's wrong? You sound like you were in a hurry."
"I was! I was going to tell her that Derpy went North to bring back the Southern birds!"
'Derpy? Is it that mailpony I see every morning?'
"Say, maybe I can help." TOBOR offers.
"Really? Can you do that for me?" Rainbowshine ask pleadingly.
"I would like to help." TOBOR says as he change course. "Just tell Rainbow what happened and that I'll take care of it."
"Oh, thank you, TOBOR! This will save us some time."
TOBOR nods before heading North in pursuit of the familiar grey mare. However, the white robot pony did not notice he was being followed by other Pegasi wearing black and red uniforms.
...5 minutes ago...
Hidden Mountain Base
Deep within of the mines of the mountain was a full-on base with many suited ponies working on computers and other technology. On the cave walls was a spray-paint image of a familiar "M" logo. As the goons worked, the entrance to the base opened to reveal an Earth pony in a far more formal uniform.
A goon notices, "Esma, ma'm. What brings you hear to Sector B of the mountain base?"
"I've been sent by orders of Morcubus to check on you." Esma said.
"W-What? M-Me?" The goon points to himself nervously.
"No, you idiot! I mean this base!"
"Oh... right..."
"Ugh, look! Is there anything to report?" Esma asks irritably. "If not, then I will be on my way."
"Actually, our spies have came back with some reports." The goon said.
"Well, what is it then, mate? Spit it out!"
"W-Well, do you remember that robot the boss hates so much?"
"Yes, what about him?"
"Well, our spies found out that he has friends."
"Friends?" Esma rubs her chin."How close are they with that robot?"
"Well, they seem to be good friends. They let that robot live in their homes from time to time for the past few weeks."
"Hmm... I don't see anything wrong with that. What's the big deal?"
"Our spies actually did some digging and found some rather valuable information about these individuals."
The goon waves for another goon. The other goon goes over to a filing cabinet before fishing out some files. The goon then made their way to Esma and gives her the files. Esma looks inside and found something interesting.
"Elements of Harmony?" Esma asks. "What are they?"
"We don't know the full detail, but they are said to be power against evil."
This sparked Esma's interest even more. Something like would get the boss's attention. This is good.
"Do we know where their location is?" Esma asks.
"I'm afraid not. However, the robot's friends might. Especially a purple unicorn named, Twilight Sparkle."
Esma thinks for a second before slowly giving a smirk.
"Where is that robot pony right now?"
"He is currently flying North. We are not sure why though."
"I want a scouting team sent after him. I want them to keep an eye on that robot. Do not engage unless it is necessary."
"Yes, ma'm." The goon starts typing in his station. "If you don't mind me asking, what is it you are going to do?"
"What I'm going to do?" Esma says as she turns and heads for the exit with two goons by her side. "I'm just going to have a little chat with Miss Sparkles of course."
Esma chuckles before the sliding doors close behind her. The goon from earlier shakes his head before going back to work.
"I don't get payed enough for this."