//------------------------------// // Thomas Leans In (Part 1) // Story: Good Times in Equestria: Thomas at the School of Friendship // by GoebelTron //------------------------------// The next morning, Thomas woke up from his bed, and suddenly went over to the bathroom for a bath, and then as it got warm and bubbly later on, he washed himself off. After drying himself off, he got dressed and then went downstairs for breakfast. Thomas went over to the kitchen for his breakfast, until he saw a bowl of oat porridge waiting for him, and it had berries in it, which he also liked. Thomas then sat down on the chair and ate his breakfast after grabbing his spoon. When he was done, he bumped into a creamy yellow fur covered wall, until he saw his mother, Fluttershy with the mail in one wing. “Hi, Momma,” Thomas said. “Good morning, sweetie,” Fluttershy said, hugging her child. “Did you have a good night’s rest?” Thomas nodded, and then he put his bowl in the sink. “So, what’d we get?” He asked about the mail. “Let’s see... Oh, dear. It’s nothing but letters, and other documentations,” Fluttershy replied disappointingly. “Is it bad?” Thomas asked. “No, baby. It’s not that bad. It’s just a little... unfortunate,” Fluttershy said. “Okay... I’ll just go brush my teeth,” Thomas said, and then after finishing up brushing his teeth, Thomas was ready for the day until he saw his big sisters, the Crusaders near the front entrance of the cottage. “Momma? Can I go play?” Thomas asked. Fluttershy nodded, “Yes, you may, but be back in time for dinner.” Thomas nodded as he hugged her neck and nuzzled with her chest fur, and Fluttershy hugged him back and nuzzled with his small form before kissing him on the forehead. “I love you, Momma!” Thomas said running out the door after getting his jacket. “Momma loves you too, Thomas,” Fluttershy replied. Meanwhile, at the park, Thomas played ball with the Crusaders and they passed it to each other. “So, how’s everything going for you?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Well, I’m actually glad that I have new friends from other kingdoms coming to another school here in Ponyville that Auntie Twilight came up with,” Thomas replied. “Yeah! So are we!” Scootaloo said. “I kinda miss Miss Cheerilee’s lessons,” Thomas said. “Yeah, she was a good teacher,” Apple Bloom said. “At least we can stop by and say hello, right?” Thomas asked. “Yep! You said it!” Scootaloo said, until she accidentally passed the ball to Thomas, until he caught it, and then slipped and fell by rolling down the hill and pressed his arm towards a big boulder. Thomas suddenly tried to get up, but he suddenly felt a surge of excruciating pain through his arm. The pain was unbearable and it felt worse. Tears stung his eyes as he let out a small whimper of pain, until he began to cry. “Thomas!!” the fillies shouted in unison. “M-My arm! I-It h-hurts!” Thomas said, pointing at his broken arm. “Oh, Thomas, are you okay?” Apple Bloom asked. “Let’s have a look,” Sweetie Belle asked gently and carefully touching his arm until Thomas whimpered as the pain still hurt. “Oh, no. I think it might be broken!” Scootaloo said. “Girls? Is everything okay?” a voice asked. They turned around and saw Twilight with a look of concern. “It’s Thomas. He has a broken arm, and it looks really painful!” Sweetie Belle said. “Oh, really? Show me,” Twilight said, and then the fillies revealed Thomas laying on the ground with his broken arm whimpering with tears. She then walked over to her nephew and then carefully lifted him up to hold him by cradling him closer to her as he laid in fetal position and nuzzled with her chest fur. “M-my a-arm h-hurts, Auntie T-Twi-Twilight! It hurts!" Thomas cried. Twilight knew that this was serious, so she showed her caring, motherly side and nuzzled the crying child to keep him calmly relaxed and try to make him sleep without feeling any pain. “Shhhhhh shhhhhh... It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m gonna take you home to your mother so that she can take you to the doctor, okay?” Twilight asked, as she kissed him on the forehead. Thomas nodded and then Twilight gently flew to Fluttershy’s cottage with her nephew cradled in her hooves against her chest. Meanwhile, back at the cottage, Angel had a pink helmet on his head and a few books and pillows stacked into piles and towers, and made a sly smile that he was about to do something dangerous. Angel then made his running start, then leaped over a stack of books, scaled a tower of books, jumped from the fireplace, flipped over a stack of books, until he bounced on a pillow with his head, swung from a squirrel habitat, performed an expert parkour, bounced from pillow to pillow, jumped from stacked coffee cans, swung from a lamp string, and then jumped through the air in slow motion until he landed onto book tower, but suddenly lost his footing before he fell onto a few pillows, as he was caught in a pile of books and pillows tumbling onto him. Fluttershy saw the pile while coming back from her garden as she then saw Angel helping themselves out. “Are you okay, Angel?” The bunny nodded until he felt a little bit hurt and dizzy, but he was fine. “Good thing the pillows caught you first. I told you that entering the Ponyville Paw-kour Contest was a dangerous idea. Hmm... why don’t we go see Dr. Fauna when my son comes home? I’m sure he’ll love to meet her.” Angel nodded while bouncing happily, but he suddenly felt a few small singes of pain in his body, so he tried to stay less excited so that he can see the veterinarian. The door suddenly opened and Fluttershy saw Twilight with Thomas in her cradled hooves. “Fluttershy, it’s urgent. You better see,” Twilight said, as Thomas began to cry as he felt more pain in his arm. “Here, sweetheart. Let’s have a look,” Fluttershy said, as she gently placed her hoof on his arm to gently touch it, but Thomas then let out a ear-piercing scream from his lungs, and then cried out loud. “Aww... you poor thing. Does it hurt, baby?” Fluttershy asked. Thomas nodded with a whimper. “It does? Aww... don’t worry, we’ll make it all better when we go see a doctor, okay?” Fluttershy said motherly, and then Thomas nodded as he felt her gently hold him. “Thank you for bringing him here, Twilight.” “You’re welcome. Thomas? Get well soon, okay?” Twilight said. Thomas nodded and then Twilight nuzzled him and left the cottage with Angel being held by Thomas, but she had to take care of her son’s arm first before seeing Dr. Fauna, so she started walking over to the hospital by carrying her son on one foreleg. At the medical care center of the hospital, Thomas had his arm wrapped in a cast made of foam soft plaster underneath blue fiberglass bandaging tape by Nurse Redheart. “Is that better, dearie?” she asked. Thomas nodded and then sniffed as he was still crying. “So, you were playing ball with your friends, but you broke your arm by bumping into a boulder?” Fluttershy asked. Thomas nodded, “I’m sorry, Momma.” “It’s okay, sweetie. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was only an accident,” Fluttershy said. “Excuse me? Sorry to interrupt, but I think I know how to help,” Starlight said. “Auntie Starlight?” Thomas asked. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’m gonna fix your arm so that the nurse can take care of the rest, okay?” Starlight said. Thomas nodded, and then cleared her mind and then lit up her horn with her aquamarine aura and his arm began to glow in the aura and Thomas felt the bones were put back in place. “There, now the bones may be put back in place, but there might be some effects of the brokenness, like the pain and stuff,” Starlight said. “Thank you, Starlight. Now, Miss Fluttershy. Your son needs to take 3 of these with 3 cups of water after eating his breakfast and 3 at night before going to sleep. The healing won’t take forever, but it should help reduce the pain on those bones,” Nurse Redheart said. “Thank you, Nurse Redheart. I’ll make sure he takes them,” Fluttershy said, until Thomas hugged the nurse, as she hugged him back. “Get well, sweetheart.” Thomas nodded, and then he climbed onto Fluttershy’s back carefully and tucked his arm underneath the strapped strain sling and then they left the hospital with Angel in Thomas’s arm cast sling. Later on, Thomas got an cone with three scoops of soft served vanilla ice cream from Sugarcube Corner, and he and Fluttershy were now on their way to see Dr. Fauna at her clinic while Angel was resting in Thomas’s arm cast sling as a blanket. After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived after Thomas finished his ice cream treat, but the door was closed. “Oh, I was sure she would be here today,” Fluttershy said. Fluttershy went up to the door, “Hello?” She then knocked on it, “Is anypony in there?” The door visor opened and they saw a pair of eyes looking at them. “Fluttershy? Oh, am I glad to see you!” said the pony. “I wish I could say the same, but the door's stuck, so I, um... can't see you. So, do you mind letting us in?” Fluttershy asked. The pony nodded, and when she opened it, the door revealed herself as an earth pony mare with light yellow fur, a two-tone pale light grayish cerulean and light ceruleanish gray mane and tail braided in short ponytails, brown eyes with lavender eyeshadow, and her flank had a cutie mark of a dog's head, cat's head, and white bird. She also wore a white shirt with a red eyedropper. Her door then opened and Thomas saw a few critters inside a few cages and some being handled while some other animals came out crawling or flying wildly. “Wow...” Thomas said in amazement. “Umm... I came here became my pet bunny Angel, he performed the Ponyville Paw-kour, but I just wanted to make sure if he’s not hurt or anything,” Fluttershy said. “I’d be happy to check him out,” Dr. Fauna said, until she saw Thomas on his mother’s back. “Oh! And I see you’ve brought somecreature special along with you? And rather adorable if I say so myself.” “Oh, this is my son, Thomas. Thomas Mercer Shy,” Fluttershy replied. “I’m his adoptive mother and he’s from a race called humans, and he’s 6 years old.” “Oh, well aren’t you the sweetest little thing?” Dr. Fauna asked, until she ruffled his hair. Thomas then carefully got off Fluttershy and hugged Dr. Fauna for her kindness towards him, and then Dr. Fauna hugged him back. “I also carried Angel in here to be warm,” Thomas said showing Dr. Fauna the slightly bruised bunny underneath the sling for his arm cast. “Aww... I see somebunny with a few slightly bruised bones having a snuggle buddy, am I correct?” Dr. Fauna asked, until Angel nodded. “Well, after a checkup, I’ll see if there’s a fresh plate full of carrots waiting for him. I'd like to keep him overnight, but as you can see, my place is just bursting with animals!” She then exhaled, “I don't think I can take in even one more critter right now!” A giraffe named Clementine sneezed. “Oh, dear,” Fluttershy and Dr. Fauna said in unison. In the checkup room, Dr. Fauna was doing Angel’s checkup for any broken or sprained bones or any bruises or bleeding spots on the bunny. “Hmm... nothing’s wrong with Angel. Seems to be the same cute little bunny he is, and his bones are still slightly bruised, but I’m sure he’ll be fine. Now does my favowite wiggle bunny wabbit want a plate of carrots?” Dr. Fauna said sweetly and then Angel kissed her muzzle, making her blush and giggle after giving him the plate full of fresh carrots. Thomas was feeding some of the sick animals by their species dietary recommendations and petting some of the other ones as a few birds flew by and landed on either his shoulders or his fingers, minus his broken arm. “Well, I see you’ve got some talent with caring for animals,” Dr. Fauna said, watching Thomas care for the animals. “Yeah, I just like helping my Momma keep the critters happy like she does,” Thomas said. “Well, I’m proud of you, sweetie,” Dr. Fauna said, carefully wrapping her foreleg around him for a hug towards her chest without hurting his broken arm. “You really have your hooves full here,” Fluttershy said, seeing her clinic full of animals. Dr. Fauna sighed, “This place is like a zoo! Then again, it's normally like that, but still... I can't keep up!” Thomas fed a few birds their birdseeds, and a few chipmunks and squirrels nuts and a few acorns, “Is really looks like a bit much.” “I just can't believe all these poor little animals are hurt. What happened?” Fluttershy asked. “I'm flummoxed! Every day, there's more and more animals on my doorstep. Most of them just have minor ailments – hurt wings, stuffy noses, and such. But the trouble is even after they're all healed up, I can't seem to get these comfy critters to leave!” Dr. Fauna said. “Oh, dear,” Fluttershy said. “Well, they do seem to have made themselves right at home here,” Thomas said. “I wonder why they chose to flock to my office. It just doesn't make sense,” Dr. Fauna said. “Don't be silly, Dr. Fauna. You're the best vet pony in Equestria. At least that's what I've been telling everypony,” Fluttershy said. “Uh... you did what?” Dr. Fauna asked. “Oh, no. Do you suppose it's my fault? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I just know animals feel safe and happy under your care,” Fluttershy said, as Dr. Fauna saw the ducklings chirping as Thomas fed them a few pieces of bread, until some nuzzled with her legs, making Dr. Fauna smile. “Normally, I don't mind if a snake wants to slither in or a raccoon needs a rest, but now this place is so full, I have no space to treat any injured animals,” Dr. Fauna said. “That is a big problem... that I'm going to fix for you! I already have the perfect solution that'll make the critters happy and give you more space. Then you'll have all your ducks in a row!” Fluttershy said. “The sooner you fix it, the better!” Dr. Fauna said. “I'm on it!” Fluttershy said as she took Thomas and Angel with her. Dr. Fauna sighed as a bird landed on her head. “Momma? How are we gonna make more space for Dr. Fauna’s clinical center?” Thomas asked while sitting on Fluttershy’s back. “I’m not sure, baby, but I’m sure I’ll come up with an idea for what I’ve planned,” Fluttershy replied while walking. “Okay, Momma,” Thomas said, then he got an idea. “Can I go on ahead? I just need to get something before going to see my friends.” “Mmhmm. But be careful with your arm,” Fluttershy replied, then she hugged her son carefully and then kissed him on the forehead before letting him walk off. Later on, he gathered the blueprints for the sanctuary and went to the dorm where the Young Six were staying. “Guys? Are you in there?” Thomas asked knocking on the door. The door opened and Smolder opened it, until she saw his arm in the sling, “Did you break your arm?” Thomas nodded, “It was an accident.” He suddenly felt Silverstream hug him, “Don’t worry, sweetie. It’s not that bad.” “It still hurts a little bit, but I’ll be fine,” Thomas said. “But... can I talk to you about something me and my Momma planned?” The six creatures nodded and let him in. “So... me and my Momma met Dr. Fauna, who is our town’s veterinarian pony, and she’s got her clinic full of animals, and she needs help, so is it okay if you all help me surprise my Momma and Dr. Fauna by constructing it?” “I don’t know. It kinda doesn’t sound like a good idea,” Gallus said. “Gallus! Think of those poor animals! They need space, and so does Dr. Fauna!” Silverstream said. “Yona love idea!” Yona said. “I guess it’s worth a shot, but it may or may not work,” Gallus said. Thomas then hugged him on the leg, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay, okay. Go easy on the cuddly and smooching stuff like to a minimum. Okay, kid?” Thomas blushed softly and then they started discussing Thomas’s plan before starting the construction. Later on, Thomas came back home and explained the sanctuary plan he did with the Young Six and the Crusaders, and then she hugged him feeling proud of her son’s confidence in others. Fluttershy then invited her friends to her cottage for a conference meeting with the Young Six and the Crusaders with them while Silverstream was holding Thomas in her talon arm and he was laying in cradle position towards her soft chest fur without hurting his arm. “Thank you all for coming. Dr. Fauna needs help with a very serious problem,” she said. “Is it a friendship problem?” Twilight asked. “Or is it dark magic like in the human world?” Sunset asked. “No. Her vet clinic is a bit... maybe, um... overrun with adorable critters in dire need of a safe place to lay their heads, and... they don't have anywhere to go!“ Fluttershy said. “Oh, that's just awful,” Rarity said. “I know!” Fluttershy said. “Yeah. Dr. Fauna's always fixin' Winona up when she ain't feelin' too fine, so helpin' her out is A-okay by me,” Applejack said. “Hah! Yeah!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “You can count on us!” Sunset said. “Okie-dokie-lokie!” Pinkie Pie said simultaneously. “Okay!” Twilight said simultaneously. “Oh, that's great news! Because it means you'll all be helping me with something special, too. Something that's been a dream of mine for a long time,” Fluttershy said. “Oh, goody! Is your dream to make a bouncy castle shaped like a gigantic bundt cake?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Um, no. Not exactly,” Fluttershy replied. “Huh. Just me then,” Pinkie Pie said. “So? What is it, Fluttershy? Spill!” Rainbow Dash asked. “My dream is to build a real animal sanctuary,” Fluttershy said. “A beautiful habitat where every animal – whether sick or scared or even just lonely, feathered or furry, scaly or slimy – every critter would be welcome. My sanctuary can be the one place in Equestria they call home 'til they feel ready to take on the world.” The animals cheered for her kindness about the sanctuary planning. “Wow, Fluttershy! I've never heard you speak with such conviction,” Twilight said proudly. “Oh! That was indeed exquisite, darling!” Rarity said. “Pretty awesome,” Rainbow Dash said. “Oh, thank you, everypony. You all taught me so much about building my confidence over the years. It's because of your friendship that I finally feel able to make my dream project a reality. But I can't build the sanctuary alone. Will you join me?” Fluttershy asked. They all made eager agreement, and then Thomas showed them his sketches for Fluttershy’s sanctuary by passing them one at a time. “Well, I’m pleased to see somepony’s got a excellent work of art while sketching,” Rarity said, gently ruffling Thomas’s hair before kissing his cheek. “I'm happy to offer my extra hooves to ya. Huh. But come to think of it, I actually know a filly who'd be more help than I would. She's a friend of mine from Winona's sheep-herdin' competitions – Wrangler! Heh. She's an expert in animal enclosures,” Applejack said. “How lovely!” Fluttershy said. “Ooh-ooh-ooh! I know somepony, too! Hard Hat is the best construction pony in Ponyville. He can build anything you could ever, ever, ever want!” Pinkie Pie said. “Hearing you all mention these experts, I am reminded that I too have the perfect pony to help capture the essence of your vision. To give it some style, some flair!” Rarity said with a chuckle. “Is it you, Auntie Rarity?” Thomas asked. Rarity chuckled, “No, precious! No. Um, I was referring to the premiere interior designer of the Canterlot elite – Dandy Grandeur. He helped me when I was setting up my Canterlot boutique. I know that he'd be thrilled to work with you.” “Wow, everypony! Thank you! I can't wait to meet all of them and hear their ideas. We're right on track to building the most wonderful sanctuary in Equestria!” Fluttershy said. The next day, while planning the sanctuary for the animals, Fluttershy and Thomas decided to have a picnic while planning. “Nothing is a peaceful as a calm and quiet critter’s picnic,” Fluttershy said. “FLUTTERSHY!!” Rarity’s voice exclaimed. “Sorry to disturb you, but are you busy today?” “Actually, no, but what’s the matter?” Fluttershy asked. “Oh, the better question would be, "What isn't the matter?" The Canterlot Royal Fashion Show is practically upon us, and the cornerstone piece of my collection just isn't working!” Rarity replied. “Oh, that sounds serious,” Fluttershy asked. “Oh-ho-ho, it's serious. The entire collection is designed around it!” Rarity said. “Do you need help with some sewing or knitting?” Fluttershy asked. “Yes, well, I don't need help making clothes. Sassy Saddles is pitching in. Plus, I'll be pulling all threeof my Manehattan assistants,” Rarity said. “All three? Does that mean you'll have to close Rarity For You?” Fluttershy asked. “That's just it, darling. This is Manehattan's busiest shopping season, and I can't just close the shop. So I was hoping... you and my other Manehattan assistant Coco Pommel might consider running it?” Rarity asked. “Of course. I'm happy to help. Though I'm surprised you picked me,” Fluttershy asked. “Well, I may have asked a few others, but they’ve been having busy schedules,” Rarity said. “Meet me at the train station as soon as you’re ready,” Rarity said, then she left. “But what about the sanctuary?” Thomas asked. “Oh, sweetie. I know, but I need to help your Auntie Rarity right now. Maybe we can continue when I come back,” Fluttershy said, hugging her child. “But... who’s gonna take care of me or the animals?” Thomas asked. “Rarity! I need to find a foalsitter for my son,” Fluttershy said. “Alright, darling. But take your time,” Rarity said as she went to pack her bags for Manehattan. Fluttershy then asked a few ponies she knew or recognized, but none were available or able to foalsit her child due to work, but she suddenly passed by the Castle of Friendship, until seeing Twilight come over. “You okay?” “I’m having trouble with finding a foalsitter for my son, and that he takes his pills every morning and night so that his arm heals,” Fluttershy said. “I brought some of our critters over here and others to Dr. Fauna, too,” Thomas said. Twilight then thought of an idea, “Why don’t you leave him with us? We can take care of him while you help Rarity.” “You will?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah. It’s only for the best, and that nothing bad happens,” Starlight said, who was now gently holding Thomas in her hoof, until Sunset carefully tickled his belly with her hoof. “Alright, but make sure my animals are also fed,” Fluttershy said. “And here’s the the doctor’s orders. Remember, 3 pills with 3 cups of water in the morning before breakfast and 3 at night before his bedtime.” “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. While we help get him situated, we’ll bring your other animals over so that we don’t have to go back and forth,” Sunset said. “And we’ll make enough space for them while we take care of the sanctuary.” “Okay, now I need to get going. Thomas, you be good for your aunties and I’ll see you soon or later on, alright?” Fluttershy said, hugging her son as he leaned against her chest and gently stroked her fur with one hand. “Okay, Momma,” Thomas said, as he received a kiss from his mother, and then she left for the train station. “So, what would a cute little kid like you want to do?” Sunset asked. “Umm... maybe get some lunch?” Thomas replied while his stomach grumbled. “Hmm... excellent choice,” Twilight said, as she went to the kitchen and asked Spike prepare some lunch for themselves.