After an hour and 25 minutes passed, the Friendship Express steadily slowed down, then stopped at the Canterlot train station. When the ponies and young human exited the train with their belongings, they went over to the castle. When they got there, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight caught up and were already in their dresses for tonight.
When they got to the castle, they saw a lot of delegates from Canterlot, and both the citizens of Ponyville and Canterlot entering the castle. Suddenly, they saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in their dresses, and Thomas in his special outfit, which consisted a sports gray formal polo with white rings and a white collar, blue khakis, and a black tie with gold plaid stripes. Fluttershy then let Thomas climb onto her back, “Thomas, we also have a surprise for you.”
“Close your eyes, darling,” Rarity said, then Thomas softly hid his face on Fluttershy’s neck, then they walked over to a tallish small building, and when they opened the doors, “Thomas. Open your eyes, sweetheart.” Thomas opened his eyes and saw a huge ballroom full of ponies. Some of them were dressed up and some weren’t. The group of ponies he was with walked down the red carpet, and headed over to the center and took their positions, where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked up and stood. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor stood on the right side. Meanwhile, Twilight stood on the left side of the royal sisters. Thomas looked at the four princesses.
Princess Celestia then walked forward and spoke in her royal elegant voice, “Mares and gentlecolts, thank you for your time. Tonight is a big night because me and sister, Princess Luna, my adoptive niece, Princess Cadance, and my most beloved and faithful student, Princess Twilight Sparkle, would like to welcome you all here tonight as we gather here together to celebrate the arrival of a special guest here in Equestria. I will let Twilight do the honors.”
Twilight came forward next to Princess Celestia and began her speech, “Thank you, Princess Celestia. As you can see, this colt here is actually a small human child, but I promise he brings no harm or threat to any of you. Two days ago, my most kind-hearted friend, Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness, was the one pony who discovered the little one and gave him a home. But before I introduce him to all of you, I’d advise you to remain calm, because he’s very shy around others.”
Twilight then walked over to Fluttershy and scooted closer, “This is it, Thomas. I promise nopony’s here to harm you, sweetheart.” Thomas nodded and then climbed over onto Twilight’s back and she took him over to the Princesses and showed him to the ponies by standing by her side that was facing her friends and looked at the ponies for attendance.
Princess Celestia comforted Thomas by placing her golden slippered hoof on his shoulder, “Mares and gentlecolts, I present to you our special guest. His name is Thomas... What’s your last name, sweetheart?” Thomas whispered it to her and then she continued, “May I present Thomas Mercer, and although he’s very small in size, he has a big heart, and has treated me, my sister, and my student and her friends with great respect and kindness. I would appreciate it if he did the same for all of you, because he was very lonely and lived in a an orphanage with no family and no friends.”
The ponies suddenly felt sorry about the boy’s past life, then Twilight came up with an idea to cheer him up, “As the Princess of Friendship, I’d like to thank Princesses Celestia and Luna for helping my friend, Fluttershy give Thomas the warmth and comfort of kindness, and for my friends, I’d like to say how proud I am of us all coming together to help him feel safe at home. And in exchange, I’d like to present my hoof of friendship to Thomas, and to welcome him home to our proud nation of Equestria!”
The ponies cheered and applauded, then Princess Cadance made one more announcement, “Let this joyous occasion commence!”
The ponies were now enjoying the party. Some were having conversations, some grabbed some grub from the royal buffet and some treats from the apple cart where Applejack and her family was, and some played games Pinkie Pie set up. There were also musicians playing music.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders went to hang out with other colts and fillies, and Rainbow Dash went to catch up with the Wonderbolts to prepare for the stunt show. Thomas felt alone again, until Rarity came to him. He ran up to her and hugged her chest, “I’m glad I found you, darling. Would you like me to keep you company until Fluttershy comes back?” Thomas nodded, then she leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss on the top of his head, and she let Thomas hold on to her foreleg, then they walked around. When all of a sudden, they heard a voice, “Rarity, my dear. Such a pleasure to see you again.”
Thomas looked up and saw a tall handsome white unicorn stallion with a blue mane and tail, and dressed in a black fancy tuxedo, had a white monocle, and a French-esque mustache on his muzzle. Next to him was a beautiful white unicorn mare that was as tall as Luna with a pearling pink mane and tail, purple eyes and lavender eyeshadow, and her flank had a cutie mark of three “fleur de lis” symbols.
“Fancy Pants! Um... hello,” Rarity said. “I didn’t know you and Fleur were invited.” Thomas hid behind Rarity’s left foreleg, until she covered him with her right foreleg. “Nonsense, we just wanted to know what all the fuss was about,” Fancy Pants said. “Oui. When we heard there was a special guest, I thought this one was very handsome as my husband, isn’t that right, mon Cher?” Fleur replied. “Yes, my dear. Indeed,” Fancy Pants said, until he and his wife saw Thomas hiding behind Rarity’s forelegs.
Rarity suddenly felt Thomas nuzzling his cheek on the soft fur of her left foreleg, then she lowered her head down towards him, “Darling, would you like to meet them?” Thomas looked at the two delegates, then he slowly stepped out and stood by Rarity. Thomas felt like he had butterflies in his stomach, as the generous unicorn mare placed her foreleg over his shoulder, “Fancy Pants, this is our dear friend, Thomas.“
“Well... hello there, young sir,” Fancy Pants said. “It’s very nice to meet your acquaintance, dear,” Fleur said kindly. “T-Thank you,” Thomas said. “Is something wrong?” Fancy Pants asked. “Sorry, darling. He’s a little shy,” Rarity replied. “It’s because I’m actually not from around here or how I got here,” Thomas said. “But my dear friend, Fluttershy has been giving him comfort and good care,” Rarity said. “Well, as long as you’re safe with her, that’s fine by me,” Fancy Pants said. “Thanks, and I’m sorry for hiding from you,” Thomas said. “Oh, nonsense. There’s nothing wrong with being nervous about most things,” Fancy Pants said. “And I, for one, think you’re adorable,” Fleur said, then she slowly bent down, and gave Thomas a small kiss on his forehead to show some generous affection. Thomas blushed, then giggled softly. Fleur kindly stroked his hair with her hoof, then placed it on his cheek, “I hope you enjoy your stay here in Equestria, sweetie.”
“Thank you. You’re very kind,” Thomas said, giving the kind mare a hug around her leg as she hugged him back. “You’re quite welcome, young colt,” Fleur replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a party to celebrate. It was a pleasure to see you this evening, my dear. Come, Fleur,” Fancy Pants said, then he and Fleur went off to join the rest of the party. “Thomas, I’m going to see if there are other delegates in need of assistance. Would that be alright, precious?” Rarity said. “Okay,” Thomas said. Rarity leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead, then went to enjoy the rest of the party.
When he walked through the mingling ponies, he suddenly felt something soft over his shoulders. He turned around and saw Twilight smiling warmly at him, “Hi, Twilight.”
“Hey, sweetheart. Are you enjoying the party?” Twilight asked. Thomas nodded, then he went to give her a hug, “I’m glad you are.” Twilight then placed her wing around him, until she saw Shining Armor wearing his guard armor. “Shining!” She exclaimed. “Twily!” Shining Armor said. Twilight trotted over to her brother for a hug.
“Good to see you, sis,” Shining Armor said. “I missed you too, big brother,” Twilight said. “So, how’ve you been?” Shining Armor asked. “Oh, I’ve been great! It’s been so good since I’m still learning on how to be a princess, especially of friendship,” Twilight responded. “I’m glad,” a voice appeared. “Cadance!” Twilight said, then they did the special greeting they created when Twilight was foalsat by Cadance when she was a little filly.
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They then laughed and giggled happily, then Twilight saw Cadance’s belly was getting a little bigger, “So, how’s the foal coming along?”
“Oh, it’s growing very healthily,” Cadance said, softly stroking her belly. “I can’t wait until I’m an aunt!” Twilight said, until she realized something she forgot, “Shining, Cadance, can I introduce you both to somepony special?”
“Of course you may,” Princess Cadance said. “Go right ahead,” Shining Armor said, then Twilight turned her head, “Thomas. Sweetheart, come here.” Thomas walked over to Twilight and she placed her wing over him for comfort as he stood by her left slippered foreleg, “Thomas, this is Princess Cadance. She’s the Princess of Love and my sister-in-law. That pony next to her is my brother, Shining Armor, and the Captain of the Royal Guard. Shining, Cadance, this colt right here is Thomas. He’s the sweet and polite little human Fluttershy found two days ago.”
Cadance and Shining Armor we’re pleased about his appearance, until Thomas lightly waved at them, “Hi.” Cadance softly giggled, then went over to him for a closer look, “It’s alright, little one. There’s no need to be afraid. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Thomas.”
Shining Armor then ruffled his hair softly, “Plus, we’re glad you’re enjoying your time here and being taken care of.” Thomas then smiled warmly at them, then gave Cadance a hug on the foreleg, until she smiled warmly and hugged him back and stroked his hair with her hoof, “And you’re welcome to visit me and my husband at the Crystal Empire anytime you want, sweetie. It’s very beautiful there, and I’m sure everypony there will show some respect to you.”
“And we’ll be happy to give you a tour, too. Unless if you stay over for a few nights as well,” Shining Armor said. Thomas looked up at her, then she gave him another warm smile, “Thank you.” Cadance nodded, the she gave him a kiss on the top of his head, then he saw her pregnant belly. “Can I touch it?” Thomas asked. “Of course,” Cadance said, then Thomas walked over to her as she leaned over, and he then gently placed his hand on her belly and felt the foal kick. “Are you really having a baby?” Thomas asked. “Yes, we are,” Shining said. “Am I allowed to be part of the family?” Thomas asked. “Oh, sweetie. Of course you are,” Cadance said, then she gave him a hug.
Twilight was pleased that Thomas was getting along with her brother and his wife, until she saw two unicorns appear. “Thomas, there are two more I want to introduce you to,” Twilight said. One was a unicorn mare with light gray fur, light cerulean blue eyes, a mane and tail in lavender and white stripes, and her flank had a cutie mark of three lavender stars. The other was a unicorn stallion with light blue fur, yellow eyes, a mane and tail colored in deep royal blue, and his flank had a cutie mark of a big yellow crescent moon with a small white crescent moon inside the curve.
“Mom, Dad, this is Thomas. Thomas, this is my mother, Twilight Velvet, and my father, Night Light,” Twilight said. “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle,” Thomas said in a soft reply. They smiled softly at him, then Twilight Velvet gave Thomas a hug, “Don’t be frightened, dearie. Just be glad you’re having a good time.” Thomas nodded and he continued the hug.
While Thomas was hanging out with Twilight and her family, Princess Luna went to talk with her sister alone. “Sister, there’s something I need to tell you,” Princess Luna said. “What is it, Luna?” Princess Celestia asked. “It’s about young Thomas,” Princess Luna said. “You see, the truth is... I also have the power to hear the wishes, prayers and inner thoughts of many voices in Equestria during the nighttime.” Princess Celestia was surprised. “But I also heard something else from a distant world.”
“What did you hear?” Princess Celestia asked. Princess Luna then continued, “Well, I heard the wish of a voice similar from the heart of a young colt. It was Thomas, but when he was in the orphanage, but in a bedroom. He was very sad.”
“Oh my. What did he wish for?” Princess Celestia asked. “His wish was that he could live somewhere else, but with a family and have friends to play with, but I think I also saw the pain he was suffering during that night. He wanted a mother. I know we could’ve raised him ourselves, but I figured our dear and kind Fluttershy could, because without somepony to care for him, he would soon perish,” Princess Luna stated. “So with him sleeping peacefully in his bed at the orphanage, I went to his world in spirit form, and while concentrating all of my magic, I used it to envelope him in a soft and warm aura so I wouldn’t wake him. After that, I safely transported him here to Equestria. I felt awful that he was suffering so much heartbreak, so I put him in a basket made of pine and then left him there for Fluttershy to find. I figured he would be safe there and finally have a home, and that she would take good care of him.”
Princess Celestia suddenly felt warmth in her heart about her sister’s story about Thomas, “You did the right thing, sister. Without your help, Thomas wouldn’t have met Fluttershy and be taken care of by her.” Princess Celestia then hugged Princess Luna. “And while he was asleep, I looked into some of his memories, but they were all sad,” Princess Luna said. “I know you were trying to help. You’ve proven that with your ability to grant wishes, you provide to show it with a good heart,” Princess Celestia said.
While Thomas was enjoying some time at the party, Fluttershy came over to check on him, “Thomas? Are you having a good time?” Thomas nodded, “Princess Cadance was telling me how she and Twilight helped save Shining Armor from the mean bug queen and her army during the wedding, and about the Crystal Empire.” Fluttershy was surprised, then remembered something, “Thomas, would it be alright if I take you for some snacks before the stunt show starts? I’ll let you ride on my back.” Thomas nodded, then Fluttershy crouched down and let Thomas climb onto her back, then she stood back up. “Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, it was nice meeting you. I hope we get to see each other again,” Thomas said. “Awwww... you’re so sweet. It was also nice meeting you too, sweetheart. You are certainly precious and very polite, but I’m also sorry about your heartbreak,” Princess Cadance said, then she gave him a kiss on the cheek. After Fluttershy and Thomas trotted off, he waved goodbye to Twilight and her family, then they continued to enjoy the party.
After Fluttershy stopped at the line for the apple cart, a few ponies were adoring about how cute Thomas looked in his tuxedo stylish polo shirt.
After the pony ahead got some apple fritters, Fluttershy trotted up ahead and saw Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith were standing. Granny Smith was collecting bits, Big Mac was prepping the food and checking if they were set up properly, and Applejack was serving the dishes.
“Howdy, Fluttershy! You enjoyin’ the party, Thomas?” Applejack asked, tipping her hat. Thomas nodded, then Applejack walked over with a piece of apple pie for him, “Here. It’s on the house, sugarcube.” Thomas took the plate and then he took a bite. He then ate the pie slowly. “I’m glad you like it, little feller,” Applejack said, then she walked over and hugged him.
After he finished his pie, Fluttershy suddenly saw Pinkie Pie and a couple of fillies and colts playing some games. “Hey, you guys!” Pinkie Pie said. “How’re you both doing? Enjoying the party?” Thomas and Fluttershy nodded, then Pinkie Pie excitedly trotted over to the games. “Fluttershy, can I play with them?” Thomas asked. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ll be right here if you need me,” Fluttershy replied. Thomas climbed off Fluttershy’s back and went to play some fun games with the other fillies and colts, which consisted bean bag toss, tic tac toe, and Pin the Tail on The Pony.
When Thomas was having fun, Pinkie Pie came over to him, “Guess what, Thomas?! I’ve got a surprise for you! Close your eyes and follow me!” Thomas closed his eyes and held onto Pinkie Pie’s tail, then she stopped. “Okay, little cutie. You can open them,” she said, then Thomas opened his eyes, and he saw a two layered cake that was covered in vanilla icing and many colors of Equestria. The top layer said “Welcome home,” and the bottom layer said “to Equestria, Thomas!” There was a figurine of him standing next to Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie beamed with excitement, then lowered herself towards his level, “Do you like it?”
“You made this... for me?!” Thomas asked happily, with tears in his eyes. Pinkie Pie poked his nosed, “Of course, silly billy! What would a party be... WITHOUT A CAKE?!” Thomas then felt a warm feeling in his heart, then he went over to Pinkie Pie and gave her a hug, “Thanks, Pinkie Pie. You’re the best.” Pinkie Pie smiled back at him, then gently hugged him back, “You’re welcome, little guy. Here, I’ll get you a slice.” Pinkie Pie went to the cake and got him a small slice, then came back and gave it to him. “There you go,” Pinkie Pie said, giving him a small piece of the cake, which consisted chocolate cake in the inside, and there was vanilla mousse in the middle of the slice, and the entire piece was covered in vanilla icing. After he took a bite, he was satisfied how it tasted. “This is really good,” Thomas said. “Aww, you’re cute!” Pinkie Pie said, then she hugged him.
When it was now quarter past 4, Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts were ready. “Looks like it’s time for our part,” she said. When she was ready, she went to get changed into her Wonderbolts outfit and then she went to Twilight. “Hey, Twi! We’re almost ready! When we finish off, I’ll perform my Sonic Rainboom, okay?” Rainbow Dash suggested. “Okay, I’ll get the others, and check on Fluttershy and Thomas, then we’ll join you,” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash nodded, then trotted back to the Wonderbolts and flew off with them while Twilight went over to Fluttershy and Thomas. “Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and her team are ready,” Twilight said. “Thomas, we’ve got something we’d like to show you,” Fluttershy said, then she lowered herself towards his level. “Thomas, you can ride on my back if you want, and you can sit closer to me too.” Thomas nodded, “Okay.” He went to Fluttershy and climbed on her back, then she and the others ponies went outside to see the performance.
“Mares and gentlecolts, our group of Wonderbolts, lead by Rainbow Dash, who will perform her signature move, will be performing a stunt show to welcome our special guest to Equestria,” Princess Celestia said, then they sat down on their haunches and watched the Wonderbolts perform some stunts in the air by spinning some clouds, going through the loops, and doing some somersaults. When Rainbow Dash was ready to make her move, the Wonderbolts team made some hoops for her to fly through, then Rainbow Dash went up into the air, until she came back down with a huge amount of speed, until she made a Sonic Rainboom, that expanded over the sky, and trailing a rainbow behind her. “Wow...” Thomas said, while gazing in awe. Rainbow Dash landed on the ground, and gave Thomas a wink. “Rainbow Dash! That was amazing!” Thomas said, hugging the awesome pegasus while sitting on Fluttershy’s back. “Don’t sweat it, kiddo. Next time you wanna see something as awesome as me, just ask, okay?” Rainbow Dash said. Thomas nodded, then they continued the hug.
Fluttershy then hummed as many groups of little birds appeared, then they took positions. Fluttershy looked at Thomas, who was still on her back, “Thomas, my birds and I have something for you. Okay, my pretties. Just like we rehearsed. One... two...three,” then she conducted the birds with their beautiful melody by humming, until they repeated after her in each group. While they were singing, Thomas smiled warmly as he listened to the birds singing and Fluttershy’s beautiful humming. When she and the birds finished their singing and humming, everypony applauded, and so did Thomas. “That was beautiful,” Thomas said. Fluttershy nodded, until she saw the little colt softly yawn and rub his eyes. “Aww... looks like somepony needs his sleep,” Twilight said. “Aww, poor little thing,” Rarity said. Fluttershy smiled warmly, and then Rarity brushed Fluttershy’s mane over Thomas to keep him warm. Princess Celestia then decided to speak up in a soft royal voice, “Thank you for coming, everypony. But since the little one needs some rest, *sees Thomas yawning while curled up on Fluttershy’s back* I think it’s time you all left. Have a safe travel back.” All the ponies nodded and left the ballroom, exiting the castle and returned to their homes.
After everypony left, Fluttershy’s friends helped the princesses clean up after they got changed, until Twilight saw Fluttershy walking out, “Fluttershy? Where are you going?”
“Sorry. I’ll be right back. I just need to take Thomas somewhere for him to sleep,” Fluttershy said. Princess Celestia walked over, “We’ll take care of everything. You go be with him.” Fluttershy nodded, “Thank you all for helping me do this for him. He absolutely loved it, and was so happy.” They all nodded and smiled, then Fluttershy left the ballroom to take Thomas and put him into bed. “As a extra reward, you’re all welcome to stay over,” Princess Celestia said. The mares and Spike nodded.
When she went over to the castle and found the guest room, Fluttershy gently went inside and quietly walked over to the side of the bed.
When Fluttershy got over there, she lowered down next to the bed, and placed him there by gently using both her wings and forelegs, until she found a pair of pajamas and clean daywear in her saddlebag. ‘Rarity must’ve given me these. Guess I’ll have to change him before putting him to sleep,’ she thought to herself. After Thomas was changed into a white pajama set and comfy on the bed, Fluttershy gritted her teeth on the sheets and then laid them over him and used her forehooves to get the other corners, and then carefully lifted his lead to lay it onto a big soft pillow.
When he was tucked in and warm enough, she leaned forward and gave him a hug, then gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek, “Goodnight, sweetheart. I hope you enjoy your time here in Equestria as we are. I promise we will all take good care of you, and that you will be loved and have a home. Sweet dreams.” After she gave him one more kiss, she quietly left the room and left the door halfway open. Thomas smiled warmly while he slept.
