A New Home III: The Quest for the Lost Locket

by APoeticHeart

Chapter Three: Hope

The Crystal Empire.....

The Crystal Castle.....

"And you'll be sure to contact us IMMEDIATELY if little Toby Mason returns, yes?" Princess Celestia asked, eyeing the two guards which stood side by side in front of the illustrious mirror.

"Yes, your highnesses. We know how much the young boy means to you." One guard answered, not even looking at Celestia, but rather the mirror, trying to show he was dedicated to this strictly given task.

"We dost know you have worked as guards through some of the most exhilarating, but also depressing times in Equestrian history....my....." Princess Luna cleared her throat, and blushed. "Unfortunate return as Nightmare Moon, the takeover of Discord, the changeling invasion, the return of King Sombra, and, once again, the SECOND changeling invasion, in which Equestria wound up almost losing one of their most cherished and beloved children...."

"But we need to make ourselves as clear as the territory this kingdom is named after....Toby Mason has NOT come back yet," continued Celestia. "This is already sad enough news....the Element of Kindness has flown off to Steed knows where. Tensions are high, and even though I may be a near immortal princess who quite often, likes to play light-hearted jokes on her subjects....I cannot possibly stretch how important it is that you two stay here, and do NOT leave."

"We do not wish to threaten or intimidate thee," Luna said. "But, if either I, or my sister catch EITHER one of you off of the perimeter of THIS room, the consequences you suffer, will be unlike that of which you cannot physically implicate......"

Even though the guards of royalty were usually stoic, and fearless, both of them couldn't help but gulp, as they could only imagine what would happen if they were to fail this one-part test.

"Do we make ourselves CLEAR?" Celestia asked with the most demanding face she had given in many years as Princess of Equestria. Then again, she hadn't felt this nervous and whipped of all energy in a while, either.

This is why the guards would be foolish not to nod back to their superior as quickly as they did, which they were doing before the princess had even finished her sentence.

Celestia and Luna shared a look, almost as if contemplating if they would be able to trust these guards with such a monumental task, but only with facial expressions.

In the end, the sisters knew that trust was the only option right now. No other guards were available to come to the Crystal Empire at the moment, as Canterlot had to be heavily guarded, especially since the princess had gone on a slight 5 hour road trip, without even telling anypony where she was going, but the guards knew from years of experience, if the princess had to leave without so much as even a suggestion of where she may be travelling to, it was definitely serious.

Still, Harbinger and White Knight were two of the most experienced, loyal, and hard-working guards either princess had commanded under both of their reigns. That's some pretty high regard.

Those facts alone had basically made up the princesses' minds, added with the fact no other pony was around to stand guard that actually made a LIVING.....well, standing guard.

"Alright, gentleman," Celestia finally said with a nod, meaning her seal of approval. "Lunch will be served to you in a few hours. You can NOT go and get it yourself. Me and my sister trust you completely. And it is NOT just because we have to...."

The guards nodded with a heavy sigh of relief, now they just had to survive the hard part.....their shift. It was always the hardest part, but, they knew just how important it was to the princesses. Hopefully the paycheck would be worth it all in the end.

"We are sorry to ensue all of this pressure onto you both," Luna added, just to silence the "dictator" vibe the guards may had been feeling. "Which is why, we hope this will be your shortest shift ever. That, of course, is not up to us, but rather....destiny. Good day." Without another word, the two princesses turned, and walked out of the mirror's holding room.

"Each minute that passes, is another minute until one hour without a sign of Toby approaches, 'Tia..." Luna realized, turning to her sister with a solemn expression.

Celestia wrapped one of her large, beautiful white wings over her sister. It enveloped her entire back it was so lengthy.

"I know, Luna....I know," Celestia replied. "I can not wait an hour more to see him, but we have to let things play out. I don't believe Toby would want us to worry as much as we are....he was the brave soul who wanted to go through all of this, just to show that he is capable of doing something for himself. It is yet another admirable quality I admire about our nephew."

"Maybe he has been sidetracked?" Luna threw out the question. "As you have stated, the world beyond is quite big...perhaps our nephew has gotten lost in the shuffle?"

"Or, perhaps his locket...." Celestia inquired with now smaller pupils.

Luna sighed. "There is no telling how long he will be gone, if that is the case....."

"How far could it have really gone?" Celestia asked nopony in particular. "Surely it landed no more than a few feet away from him when he arriv-"

Celestia never got to finish her sentence, as from seemingly out of nowhere, as usual, Discord appeared in front of their very eyes, like one of Trixie's magic tricks that were actually successful.

Celestia and Luna slightly smiled, but then began to frown as they realized they would have to tell Discord that Toby was not in at the moment.

They were not alone, however, as Discord seemed displeased about something, as well.

"Why the long face, Discord?" Luna asked with a rose eyebrow. "Has thou woken up on the wrong side of the chaos?"

"This isn't the time for jokes, Moon Pie," Discord piped up. "We have a VERY big problem that not even my world renowned chaos can fix!"

"Oh....so you know?" Celestia asked. It wouldn't be a surprise, as Discord had a tendency to hear things that were not for his ears.

"Well, OF COURSE I heard! I'M the one that it's happened to!"Discord whinnied.

Celestia and Luna could not be more confused. Was Discord alerted of something ELSE dire?

"We......are sorry, Discord....we do not follow...." Luna admitted.

Discord gasped. "Ugh-oww-ehhh-ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Do you NOT see what I am seeing?"

"All I can see is that you are being EXTRA grumpy today...." Celestia teased with a slight chuckle.

"Oh for the love of YOU, Celestia! Here!" Discord did the Q snap, and two pairs of magnifying glasses, one for each princess, appeared on their face. "Since you're both getting so OLD, I figured you must need these...."

"Magnifying glasses?" Luna deadpanned. "Dost thou wish to play a joke drum?"

Discord shook his head simply. "Like I said, this isn't the best day for jokes-Now, LOOK!" Discord leaned in, as the two princesses scrunched their eyes in cornea concentration.

"Well?" Discord mused. "What do you see?"

"Well, for ONE," Celestia began. "I can see SOMEONE hasn't taken a shower today....LOOK at all that dandruff..."

Discord grumbled. "For one, I take BATHS. It's the perfect chance to play with Ignatius, the conniving duck, but also.....you've figured out ONE of my problems! The running water in the Chaos Mansion is GONE. Not a single DROP. So, no bath for me today, but LOOK AT MY FEATURES. Do you see ANYTHING wrong?"

The princesses shook their head in defeat. "We obviously are not getting anywhere with your overbearing mystique, Discord," Luna said. "So would thou be so kind as to explain what is going on?"

Discord groaned, as bear claw collided with face, and slid down the entire length of it, vibrating his ultra rubbery lips as the claw left his face. "I suppose neither of you WOULD be able to know, as all you have to worry about are wings and horns.....I woke up this morning, to the smell of what I like to call....anti-chaos....it's chaos that I didn't cause, and since MY chaos is fun for me AND everypony around, I know when it occurs. Because 1, I DIDN'T CAUSE IT, and 2, I'M NOT HAVING FUN. I run to my mirror, and I notice that my deer antler and my goat horn have SWITCHED places."

Luna and Celestia seemed baffled by this announcement. "That looks like the face I made, only much, MORE more pained.....do you have ANY idea how EXCRUCIATING this is for me? I've been in the EXACT same form for since I was BORN, and I wake up one morning and something is SWITCHED on me?! What, did that nuisance Starswirl return and screw everything up again? Did one of you two rub Poison Joke powder on my navel while I slept? I'm a light sleeper, so THAT can't be the case.....oh my-SOMEPONY EXPLAIN WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!!" Discord boomed.

Luna and Celestia did not flinch a muscle, for they had gotten used to Discord's rants over the thousands of years they had known him. However, they couldn't laugh, because they knew this had to be a part of something MUCH more....

Celestia pondered for a moment of the possible results of this. It may have seemed like a very small change, but no creature nor pony goes through this type of thing overnight.

"This reminds me of the first time sister introduced ME to Poison Joke...." Luna reminisced, but also grimaced at the memory after all these years.

Celestia chuckled. "Never has the term "Constipation of the Brain" been so appropriate...."

Discord snickered in realization of what Celestia meant by that. "Yeesh.....alright, I'll admit, my predicament right now is not as bad as THAT, but Celestia, come on, sister! You've been around for a few eons, right? Surely you have to have at least a teeennyyyy tiiinnnyyy, smidgen of a though as to HOW this could have happened to me! Is all of my nonsensical behavior coming back to bite me in the most uncomfortable of ways?!"

Celestia ignored the "eons" comment, as she cleared her throat. "I have a theory....we can take it however we want, but Discord, there is something important me and Luna must tell you. It may not be the cause of your....odd feature switch, but it would be wrong of us to keep this information from you...."

Discord could do nothing but prepare for the worst, as a beekeeper's outfit suddenly appeared on him.

Las Pegasus.....

Filthy Rich smiled as he watched his daughter, Diamond Tiara, and her best friend Silver Spoon splashing each other with water in the large pool that was laid out behind their hotel room. Filthy was soaking up some sun in a lawn-chair a few feet away. It hadn't been a great day, thus far for the astute business-pony. He hadn't done as good at the Casino as he had hoped. He lost an estimated 4,000 bits today, which virtually made up Mr. Rich's mind for himself. He would be staying away from the slots for the rest of the vacation, which had just started last night. The stubbornness in him told him to keep going, that he'd win big in due time. But the business-pony in him convinced him that it would be a horrible business move.

"Sir, I have a telegram for you," said a pre-teen colt in a white-collared shirt and black cargo pants. This forced Filthy out of his thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, ummm...thank you," he said, smiling and taking the letter in his hooves.

"You're welcome," the colt replied. "Seems I have one for every family or tourist currently in the hotel. It says it's from Princess Twilight Sparkle....it must be important, then. I'd better go read mine. She may ask to make me her prince!" The young colt galloped off in excitement, as tiny hearts fluttered above his head.

Filthy Rich chuckled, remembering when he had been hit with "young love" when he was that colt's age. He opened the letter up, and began to read it out loud, as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had come out of the water to hear just how important it was.

"What's it about, daddy?" Diamond Tiara asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Filthy Rich cleared his throat.

To all the residents of Equestria....

A terrible tragedy has befallen our fair country....

My nephew, Toby Mason, one of the most loved and wholesome children in all of Equestria, is once again out of the reach of any of us.

Diamond Tiara gasped, as she and Silver Spoon's water floaties ironically deflated.

Do not worry about him being kidnapped once again, for that is not the case.

Non-the-less, he is not in Equestria at the moment, for reasons I cannot disclose, due to personal reasons.

But just know, we must be patient, and brave for young Toby, just like he has been for us today.

I am sure he is fine right now, but even so, it was imperative, whether you know of my nephew or not, that you all are aware.

Sincerely, Princess Twilight Sparkle....

"Daddy!" Diamond Tiara cried out. "We have to go home! If Toby is missing, we need to be there for him when he returns!"

"That's right..." agreed Silver Spoon with a nod. "We still have to go on our second date...."

Filthy Rich normally would have declined, as this was only day one of a 7 week vacation, which he had spent a few thousand bits on. But the allure of losing more bits, thanks to that accursed casino, combined with the fact that he knew how important young Toby was to both his daughter and her best friend, he could not have said no even if he wanted to.

"You're right, girls," Filthy Rich declared. "Let's quickly pack our things, so we can get back to Ponyville as soon as possible!"

Diamond Tiara ran up and hugged her father around his forehooves. "Thank you so much, daddy! This is SO important to me!"

Filthy Rich smiled warmly, as he picked up his daughter and cradled her in his hooves. "I know, Diamond Tiara. All the money in the world is priceless compared to your happiness..." he then nuzzled his daughter's cheek, and took her and Silver Spoon inside to begin packing.

It seemed the vacation was over, but the ride had only begun.....

Canterlot High School....

"Sunset Shimmer! Toby!" The two wandering new friends heard the voice of Vice Principal Luna, and they turned around to see her walking towards them.

"Hello again, VP," Sunset Shimmer greeted with a smirk.

"Hi there, Vice Principal Luna," Toby greeted with a big smile. He didn't seem as shy around the humans here, because most of them he had already met back in Equestria, just in pony form.

However, what surprised Toby, was the five humans that were walking right behind Vice Principal Luna....

One girl was wearing a stetson, or a cowboy hat, which Toby was most familiar with, a white collared shirt with a touch of green by the collar, a denim skirt with a belt with an apple logo on it, and cowboy boots with more apples all over them. She had a long blonde ponytail with a red hairband tying it back, the most normal skin color Toby had seen so far (next to Sunset Shimmer's), three freckles on each of her cheeks, and green eyes.

Another girl wore a blue vest, with a white shirt with purple lining and a pink heart in the middle of it, a big pink skirt that almost looked like a trash-bag surrounded by a purple bow that also worked like a belt which had two blue balloons and one yellow balloon on it, electric blue boots that each had a pink bow above the laces, and an electric blue bracelet on each arm. She had highly noticeable pink hair, a fair pink hue of skin, and blue eyes.

The next girl wore a blue vest, like the one before, but this one was longer and had a white shirt with black lining and a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt coming out from under it on it, with a pink and white striped skirt with black leggings underneath, possibly to make her look less feminine. The skirt seemed to have no belt. She had blue boots with visible tops of rainbow socks peeking up from above them, and a rainbow bracelet on each arm. She had a vibrant rainbow mane, light blue skin, and fuchsia eyes. She stuck out among all of the five girls, and possibly any girl in school. Perhaps any student period.

The next girl wore a light blue, fleecy shirt with a purple skirt that had three diamonds around it, and a purple belt surrounding it, a golden yellow bracelet around each arm, and fuzzy purple boots with an even fuzzier top and a diamond on each boot. She had a curly purple mane with a three-diamond hair-clip in the front, snow white skin, and blue eyes. Not to mention, she had eyelashes longer than any of the girls.

The final girl struck Toby harder than any other girl. She may not have been as vibrant as the one with the rainbow mane, or as fancy looking as the white skinned one, but Toby recognized more than every other girl combined.

She wore a white top, with a green skirt that had one white, one pink, and one dark pink butterfly on it, with no belt and pink and white layers under the green, green boots that almost looked like glass slippers at the bottom, and pink socks with white polka dots peeping from above the boots. She had a breathtaking pink flowing mane that had a butterfly primed into the front of it, light creamy yellow skin, and eyes that could only be described as a moderate cyan.

Toby couldn't help himself, he ran right up to her and wrapped his arms around her petite waist. The girl gasped at this, but she couldn't hide the soft smile that ran across her lips.

"Awww...he likes you already, Fluttershy!" The pink girl said, giggling up a storm.

Fluttershy.... Toby thought as he nuzzled into the girl's green skirt. It's mama as a human....she looks as pretty as she does as a pony....

Fluttershy hugged the small boy back. Not knowing who he was, but whoever needed a hug would get one from her.

Fluttershy broke the hug, and knelt down to Toby's level. "Hi there, sweetie...what's your name?"

"My name is Toby Mason, Fluttershy!" Toby said excitedly, start-struck and relaxed that his mama was actually in this world with him. It wasn't his real mama, but she had everything her mama did....except extra clothes. Toby would gladly take it. "Ummm...can I just say that...you look very pretty?" Toby grinned.

Fluttershy blushed. "Oh my, Toby.....you're so sweet....th-thank you...."

Luna smiled at the exchange, as Sunset Shimmer seemed to be taking mental notes. "Well, Toby. I see you've met Fluttershy, but I'd also like you to meet Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack." She gestured to each of them in turn, as they waved at Toby, or in Rainbow Dash's case, gave a thumbs up.

"Hello, darling," Rarity said to Toby in a gushing way. "My...aren't you just a cute little thing? Vice Principal Luna told us that we had a new student, and asked if we could show you around."

"Yeah, but we sure didn't think ya'll would be so young!" Applejack said, caught off guard by the size of the boy. "What grade are ya'll gonna be in, Toby?"

"I'll be in third grade!" Toby answered with a confident smile.

"Heh, that seems like so long ago...." said Rainbow Dash. "Be sure to enjoy it, kid. The higher the grade, the crap-uuummm...the worse things get..." Dash nervously chuckled, as she almost slipped up there.

Well, ain't you lucky, Dash? Sunset Shimmer thought. Can't believe I already slipped up in front of him...

"Oh! Will you be helping us show little Toby around, Sunny?!" Pinkie asked, Sunny cringing at the nickname Pinkie had dubbed her with a few months ago. She was glad it hadn't stuck, but Pinkie REFUSED to call her Sunset.

It's at least better than Shimmy.... Sunset thought, nearly throwing up in her mouth at the name. "Sure, I will! It was originally just going to be me and Toby alone, but I'd love to have to my friends help show the little guy around." She turned to Toby. "Would YOU like that, Toby?"

Toby nodded feverishly. "Oh yes, I would! I can't wait to get to know your friends, Sunset Shimmer!"

Luna chuckled. "Thank you, girls. All 6 of you. Don't take too long, though. School starts in 30 minutes." She turned to leave, but quickly remembered something. "Oh! Toby, here," she handed Toby a piece of paper. "I've already placed you in your third grade class. You may go there and meet your teacher, if you'd like. Have a great day, everybody." Luna waved to the 6 girls and Toby, and then left.

All the girls and Toby waved back, Rainbow Dash glanced down at Toby's paper. She gasped when she saw who Toby's teacher would be. "Ohmigoshohmigoshohmigo-ooshhh! He. Got. HIM."

"Him?" Pinkie said quizzically. "Who's hi-OHHHHHHHH WOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!" The rest of the girls were now looking at Toby's paper.

"La-aand sakes!" Said Applejack. "That right there is a lucky get, Tobeh!"

"Oh my stars, darling!" Squealed Rarity. "You are a very lucky third grader!"

"Oh....my...." finished Fluttershy with a small smile. "Congratulations, Toby."

Sunset Shimmer now looked down at Toby's picture. "Hmmmm...well, I wasn't at this school for my third grade year, but I've heard a lot of good things about this teacher....my guess is you've just hit the jackpot, Toby."

Toby was too busy listening to the girls' reactions, he never got to look at the paper himself, so he finally did, and he gasped when he saw the name of his teacher.

Mr. Discord - Room E207

The other side of the school...

Locker 19A....

"Awww, man..." Featherweight groaned as he dropped his calculator. "That's the 4th time this week...." his mom would chew him up and spit him out if he broke the $200 advanced calculator she had bought him specifically for Advanced Calculus. He bent down to pick it up, but his efforts were halted when a pink boot suddenly pressed softly down on top of it.

Featherweight looked up to see the small, yet beautiful form of Diamond Tiara, with the less than average looking Silver Spoon next to her.

Featherweight smiled. "Thew....thank you for not breaking my calculator, Diamond...I REALLY need that."

Diamond Tiara giggled. "Oh, Feathy.....trust me, I've cracked ENOUGH glass for one day!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon initiated a good, hearty cackle.

Featherweight didn't understand what she meant by that, but as long as his calculator was okay everything was smooth sailings.

Diamond Tiara did the honors of picking the calculator up for him, and placing it into his left pant pocket for him. Featherweight, regretfully, couldn't help but wish he had a pocket in the FRONT of his pants.....

Diamond Tiara gave Featherweight a sinister grin. "I know what you're thinking, Feathy....." she giggled, but then glared at him. "Stop it. I have something I need you to do for me...." she paused to pop her bubble gum right in Featherweight's face.

"Uuuummm....yes?" Featherweight smiled nervously. He had been Diamond Tiara's guinea pig ever since she became the queen bee of Canterlot High, like Snips and Snails had been for Sunset Shimmer. He would spy on the weakest students he could find, and reported to Diamond Tiara their weaknesses, which she could use to make them weaker.

It was a risky job, and Featherweight hated to do it, but he had been infatuated with Diamond ever since 4th grade. Yes, he was in love with the nastiest girl in school, but that was just Featherweight's luck.

"There's a new kid in town," Diamond began. "And I need you to keep an eye on him....he's wearing a red jacket, and blue jeans. He's little, not even in our grade, but he's hanging out with Ms. Popular, Suuunnsseeettt Shiiimmmeerrr!" She said in a childish tone as Silver Spoon snickered.

Featherweight gulped. "He's not even in OUR grade?" That didn't sound good to him.

Diamond Tiara shook her head. "Nope. Looks like he's in third or fourth...maybe even second, not sure."

"No, Diamond Tiara." Featherweight said forcefully. "He's too young. I'll spy on anybody in our grade or above...heck, even an eighth grader! But a third grader?! No. I don't see why you have to pick on him! What did he do?"

Diamond crossed her arms. "It doesn't matter what he did, it matters what I'M going to do, and what I WANT, and what I WANT, is for you to use your ultra-loser powers, TO SPY ON HIM, AND TELL ME WHAT I CAN USE AGAINST HIM!" By this point, Diamond had Featherweight squished up against his locker, nose to nose.

....Featherweight still liked it.

Diamond then backed up, and put on her sweetest smiled and "Diamond Eyes" for Featherweight. Diamond Tiara only pulled out her "Diamond Eyes" whenever she REALLY wanted something. It was a last resort, and it ALWAYS worked.

"Pllleeeaasseee, Feathy?" Diamond cooed. "If you do this for me....." she then squeaked, as she had come up with the perfect deal-sweetener. "I'll go to the prom with you! How does that sound?" She put her hands to her hips.

Featherweight's heart skipped a beat, and his pupils dilated.

It was too sweet a deal to pass up.

".....I'll do it." Featherweight finally said.

Diamond Tiara squealed, as she wrapped her arms around Featherweight's neck.

"You know what I love about you, Feathy?......you always do what you're told..." Diamond proceeded to brush her lips against Featherweight's for a split second. "Now go," she let go of him, and Featherweight stumbled away until he was out of sight, looking back and grinning toothily until he was out of sight.

"Diamond Tiara....." Silver Spoon said with her jaw dropped. "Teach me how to be sexy...."

Meanwhile....

A few rooms later....

"And this," Sunset Shimmer said. "Is the band room. It's where everyone in band plays their instruments. I used to play drums, but I quit because it got boring," Sunset said, rubbing her arm.

"And you were REALLY good, Sunny!" Pinkie complimented.

"That's pretty cool, Sunset Shimmer," Toby said with an interested nod.

Toby could spot a few more humans he recognized from Equestria as he scanned the room. He could see Octavia playing a cello, and Lyra playing her lyre.

Lyre spotted Toby, and waved at him, setting her lyre down and walking over to him.

"Hi, girls!" Said Lyra, in her usual excited mood.

"Hello, Lyra," Fluttershy greeted with a shy wave. "How are you-"

"CAN'T TALK CORGIS," Lyra ran back to her lyre, grabbed it, and ran out the door at top speed.

Toby was the only one who looked confused. He looked to the girls for help.

"That's just Lyra," Rainbow Dash said. "She has some weird obsession with Corgis....don't worry, she's a little cuckoo, but she's really friendly, and a pretty cool gal."

The obsession seemed familiar to Toby, even. Except he remembered that Lyra had an obsession with humans in Equestria, instead. Every time Lyra saw Toby, she would ask him a different question about humans, touch his hands, make a weird sound, and then walk off with a big smile. Toby NEVER even got to answer ANY of the questions....

Toby spotted a piano in the corner of the room, and his eyes lit up. "Ummm...girls? Can I play the piano for band?"

Rarity gasped. "You can play piano, Toby?" Toby nodded. "Oh! Isn't it just the most beautiful of all instruments? You know, I think that the school choir actually needs a piano player for concerts. My sister, Sweetie Belle is in it."

Of course! Toby thought. If Rarity is a human, then Sweetie Belle must be, too....

"Ya'll any good at playin' the pianer?" Applejack asked.

"I'm okay," Toby answered honestly. "I used to play for my mom all the time. I love to play it, though....I may play it for choir."

"I think that'd be a great idea, Toby," Fluttershy replied. "I'd love to hear you play sometime."

All the girls nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Toby!" Sunset Shimmer said. "I bet you're pretty good."

Toby blushed. "Well, I guess I could play for you girls sometime...."

Toby could only hope his mommy was watching him up in Heavens, proud of him for thinking of starting his piano sessions again. He played it at the talent show for his mommy only, but now....he had 5 new friends to play it for, as well.

Outside the band room, Featherweight was already jotting down notes.

A minute later...

Gymnasium....

"Awww yeah!" Rainbow Dash blurted out as the group of friends stepped into the school Gym. "This is my favorite part of the whole school. Well, besides the soccer field, which you already saw," she grinned. In the distance, Toby could faintly see what resembled Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, watching Scootaloo play a human he did not recognize in basketball. She had an amber mane that seemed to curve down, a teal-like skin, and brownish-yellow eyes.

The human with teal-like skin tried to block Scootaloo, but Scootaloo was able to slip through and hit a lay-up. The ball spun around the rim a few times before going in.

"Tha's game!" Called Apple Bloom, as Sweetie Belle flipped a number over on a miniature scoreboard. It read 9 to 10.

"Scootaloo wins 10 to 9!" Sweetie Belle stated as she and Apple Bloom cheered and clapped.

"Thew...." said the new human, panting a little. "You're getting pretty good at this, little sis...."

"I know!" Scootaloo replied, ecstatic at her victory. "Maybe someday I'll be as good as you!"

The girl chuckled. "Heh, maybe....bet ya can't do it again, though!"

"You're on!" Scootaloo replied with determination, as she grabbed the ball and jogged to the free-throw line.

"Hey, Lightning Dust!" Sunset Shimmer called, as she and the others walked over. Scootaloo dropped the basketball, and put a orange tennis shoe on it to keep it from rolling away. The girl, who seemed to be called Lightning Dust heard her name, and walked over to the group.

Lightning Dust? Toby thought. Hmmm...I don't remember her.....should I? Toby tried to think long and hard. Two years in Equestria. He had met MANY ponies, but he just couldn't remember ever seeing a pony that looked like Lightning Dust...nor hearing her name.

"What's up, Shimmer? Dash? Pinkie? AJ? Rarity? Flutters?" Lightning Dust greeted, high fiving Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Sunset Shimmer, and patting Rarity and Fluttershy on their backs. Lightning Dust then noticed the new face, and knelt down on her knees to Toby. She wore a lime green jacket, with orange track pants, and green sneakers with a white check-mark on each side. The front of her jacket had the "Wondercolts" emblem on it, and the back of it had the words "L. Dust" sprawled out, and the number "42" below it.

"Who's the little guy?" Lightning Dust asked with a slight smirk, looking up at the girls.

"His name's Toby," Sunset Shimmer asked. "He's in third grade, and he's new. Me and the girls are just showing him around."

"Ahhh, I see. Model students," Lightning Dust said with a chuckle. "Nah, just playing with ya. Hey there, Tobs', I'm Lightning Dust." She held out her hand.

Toby knew what to do in return, but it had been so long since he has actually....shook a hand. The idea seemed almost foreign to him. Non-the-less, he reluctantly grasped Lightning Dust's hand, and shook it firmly, just like his dad taught him.

Lightning Dust seemed impressed. "Wow. Nice grip there, bub! Say, Toby. You like sports?"

Toby thought back. The only sports Equestria had was jousting and racing, unless there was some underground Fight Club he hadn't heard about before, but he figured he shouldn't talk about Fight Club, just in case there was one.

Back home, though, he wasn't a fan of the Braves, of the Falcons, or the Hawks, nor any of the sports they played.

"N-no. I don't really like sports very much, Ms. Dust," Toby answered, afraid of hurting Lightning Dust, who obviously loved sports, feelings.

Lightning Dust chuckled. "Awww, ain't you formal? Just call me Lightning Dust, bud. Oh, and that's fine, Tobs', sports aren't for everyone. Hey, we can still be friends! Cool?"

Toby didn't remember Lightning Dust from Equestria, but he still liked her. "I'd like to be friends with you very much, Lightning Dust."

Lightning Dust smiled. "Alright! Glad to hear it. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's 15 minutes 'till school starts, and I've gotta smash my arrogant sis!" Lightning Dust began jogging back to the court, but turned back to wave. "Later, girls! Later, Toby!"

"Bye, Lightning Dust!" The girls and Toby said at once, except for Rarity, who said "Ta-ta, darling," and Applejack, who said "Later, ya'll", and Pinkie Pie said "Don't eat the yellow snow!!!!!!!!!"

A minute later....

Auditorium....

"And this room, Toby," Fluttershy started, "is the-"

"Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires!" Fluttershy was interrupted by a girl with gray hair purple eyes, a blue jacket, a purple skirt with a wand and moon moving across it, and with multiple stars on the bottom, and light blue boots with purple pumps and purple folds.

T-trixie...? Toby guessed. She had shown up in Ponyville a few times to train magic with auntie Twilight. She seemed cocky at times, but overall Toby thought she was pretty nice. Apparently she used to be super evil, according to her mama and aunties, but she was much better now.

Trixie was munching on peanut butter cracker after peanut butter cracker, reciting lines off of a script with a full mouth.

"Darling, that is just DISGUSTING!" whined Rarity, which caused Trixie's eyes to widen at the realization that she was not alone. She slowly turned to the group of friends with an awkward smile.

"U-uhhmmm....." Trixie stammered. "I was just...." she suddenly gained what seemed like a new tank of confidence. "Practicing for my role in the new school play! It's titled "The Peanut Butter Puppeteer. In it, my character-"

"Eats a lot of peanut butter crackers?" Sunset Shimmer guessed with an all-knowing smirk.

"Mhm!" Trixie nodded with a nervous grin. "So...what'd ya think?"

Everybody except Toby and Fluttershy gave Trixie a thumbs down. Trixie frowned.

"Ummm...I mean....you were....no, I'm sorry," Fluttershy gave her a thumbs down, as well, making Trixie lose almost all hope.

Trixie hopped down off of the stage, and approached Toby. "What about you, young boy? What do you think of Trixie's acting?"

Toby smiled warmly at Trixie. "Well, Ms. Trixie. While I think you need a little work, your performance made me laugh." Toby giggled.

Trixie pouted. "But, it's not a Comedy! Ugh...oh well...." Trixie put an arm on Toby's shoulder. "Thank you, young one, for the inspiration...what's your name?"

"I'm Toby Mason," Toby answered. "And your name is...Trixie?"

"The GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie to be exact!" Trixie said with closed eyes. She blinked one eye open with a grin, as she looked at the girls for confirmation. They all had the same "Not Amused" face. Trixie sighed again. "Not really, Toby....if I could go out of character for a moment...I stink."

In a shocking event, Trixie couldn't believe it when Toby wrapped his little arms around her waist, as well.

"I don't think you stink, Trixie," Toby admitted. "You have a lot of potential...you just need to be more confident in yourself." With that, he let the hug go.

Trixie wiped a forming tear out of her eye. "Y-you....you really THINK so?"

Toby nodded, as he continued to smile.

Trixie turned away from him, looking at the ground sadly. She suddenly perked up with a grin. "Then it is settled...." she then turned around, as if to speak to the entire world. "From this day forward, I, Trixie Lulamoon, will strive to become the greatest actress...Equestria has ever seen! Every movie will have ME as the main character, every Broadway showwill have ME as the main attraction! I will BE Dorothy, I will BE Forrest Gump, I will BE Ace Venture, I will BE Monty Python, I will BE Peter Parker, I will BE Mike Wazowski, I will BE Neo, I will BE Yoda, I'll even BE Chucky the Killer doll! I'll even make ONE crappy movie so the Nostalgia Critic can review it! Yes! THANK YOU, young Toby Mason! You are my inspiration, and you are truly my biggest fa-"

Trixie stopped her epic monologue as she realized everyone had already left.

"Oh....." Trixie frowned. She then turned to the stage. "Oh hey PEANUT BUTTER!" Trixie then lunged at the stage, hitting her ribs as she couldn't clear it to the top.

"To have broken ribs, or not to have broken ribs...." Trixie groaned. "Who cares what the question is? I'm hurt!"

A few minutes later....

Room E207....

"Here we are, Toby," Fluttershy said. "Mr. Discord's room...."

It looked exactly the same from when the girls were in third grade.

"Awww, man," Rainbow Dash said, teary eyed. "So many great memories...."

"I cain't believe it's been this long...." Applejack said, shaking her head at the absurdness that she hadn't been in this room for such a long time.

"Ummm, guys!" Pinkie Pie spoke up. "We just saw Mr. Discord last Friday!"

"THAT'S WAY TOO LONG, PINKIE!" All but Sunset Shimmer and Toby yelled. Pinkie Pie squee'd, either way.

"Where is this crazy guy anyway?" Sunset Shimmer asked, walking around the room. She stopped in front of the coat rack, where all the kids kept their lunchboxes and hung their coats and jackets. "I wanna meet this guy in per-"

"BWUAH!" Suddenly, the lone black coat in the cubbie came to life, as a tan-skinned man with bushy white eyebrows, red work pants with a black belt, and a maroon colored suit. He wore a white glove on each hand, a lucky chicken's claw charm around his neck, and he was eating a bear claw, and he had two red eyes, one pupil bigger than the other. His hair was also odd, as he had none on top, but a long black, stripe-like design of it going down. He also had an awesome white goatee, and one long tooth coming way down. He wore white sandals, with one green sock and one brown sock.

Sunset Shimmer shrieked, and fell on her rump in shock, as Mr. Discord began to laugh like Nigel Thornberry. "Y-...you should have seen the look on your faces!" He chuckled some more. "Priceless!"

Sunset Shimmer couldn't help but chuckle, as Mr. Discord helped her up. He gestured his bear claw towards her.

"Bear claw?" Mr. Discord asked, but Sunset Shimmer just shook her head. Mr. Discord shrug and took another bite out of it.

"You never cease to amaze me, Mr. Discord!" Pinkie Pie complimented. "I owe all of my coat-jump scare tactics to you!" She and the other girls hugged Mr. Discord.

"Well, it is the oldest trick in the book," Mr. Discord chuckled. "Of course, Ms. Shimmer wouldn't know that."

"You know my name?" Sunset asked, like she was missing something.

"Of course I do, young lady," Mr. Discord grinned. "Three time Princess of the Fall Formal, and the fourth time didn't go your way, so you destroyed the entrance to the school. That was very naughty of you...." He waved a finger in Sunset's face.

Sunset frowned. "I'm sorry, but I-"

"Oh, and I LOVED IT!" Discord said, doing a back-flip. "It was the perfect way to liven this boring old place up a bit! I've never SEEN so much chaos in ALL of my life! But of course, you're nice now, and that's great, as well!" He put an arm around Sunset's shoulder. "Just remember, Ms. Shimmer: You can always spread a little chaos whenever it calls for it. Be it evil or angelic, everybody spreads a little chaos sooner or later!"

Discord looked at his five former students, as he smiled solemnly. "Oh, girls....I miss the days when you were in my class....my new class is so BORING. No sense of humor, and NO CHAOS. I mean, what's the point even?!" He sighed. "But LOOK AT YOU.....you're becoming such beautiful, independent young women, and this old fart couldn't be more proud of you...."

"You're not old, Mr. D!" Pinkie Pie replied. "Random NEVER ages!"

Mr. Discord laughed uproariously at that. "Oh, dear Pinkie...how right you are! And random and chaos go hand in hand!"

Suddenly, Mr. Discord felt a slight tugging on his pant-legs. He looked down to see Toby with his hands behind his back, a small smile plastered on his face.

Discord smiled back. "Well, HELLO there little one! Hmmmm....you seem to be the size of a third grade?" Discord chuckled.

"I AM in third grade, Mr. Discord," Toby replied.

Discord swooped down and lifted Toby up into his arms, spinning him around. "Oh, WONDROUS child whom which I've encountered only in my DREAMS! I haven't seen you in my class before, so you must be NEW!"

"I am new, Mr. Discord. My name is Toby Mason," Toby said.

Needless to say, Mr. Discord seemed pumped by this. "Oh by the powers that be! Maybe you can be the rocket fuel my DUUUUUULLLLLL class needs!" He put Toby back on his own two feet. "Tell me, child. Have you ever been known to tell a good joke? Spread a little chaos? Ya know, the essential stuff?"

Toby frowned, and shook his head, upset he wasn't up to par with what Mr. Discord considered a "Star Student." "Sorry, Mr. Discord...I'm not that funny, and the only thing I like to spread is peanut butter and jelly."

Discord chuckled lightly. "Oh, pa-SSSHAAWWW!" Mr. Discord replied with a downward spiral of his left hand. "That, young man, was quite funny. I, too, like a good peanut butter and jelly spreading every now and again, but that joke was so unexpected, you putting it at the end of a sentence, that I just had to chuckle," Mr. Discord beamed. "Alright, so chaos isn't your thing...at least not YET," he winked. "But trust me, young man, you have some COMEDIC potential! You just keep hanging around that walking, breathing joke drum, Pinkie Pie," he gestured to Pinkie. "And you'll be the laughingstock of my class in NO time! Oh, umm...laughingstock in a good way. Just had to point that out."

Mr. Discord turned to Pinkie Pie. "Watch, young man. Umm, Pinkie Pie....say something funny!"

"Something funny!" Pinkie screeched.

Discord fell over onto his side as the pit of his stomach began to cramp. "Oho...oho....AHAHA! L-...LOOK at the face she made when she said it! Dear lord! I'm surprised the young lady hasn't contracted facial paralysis!" Mr. Discord kipped up off the floor, and patted Pinkie on her head. "It's not all about words, young Toby. Facial expression are JUST as funny as words, depending on the scenario," He giggled like a child. "Like I said....Pinkie Pie is the funniest student I've ever had. Turn to her if you want to get to the top."

"I already have a fine sense of humor, Mr. Discord," Toby added.

"REALLY?!" Mr. Discord replied, running up to Toby and lowering his face close into his. "So you WILL laugh at the jokes I tell? And the chaos I spread?"

Toby nodded. "Yes, Mr. Discord. Especially if they're funny enough."

"Oho! I can assure you, young man, THEY ARE," Mr. Discord boasted. "But those students of mine? Pffftt! Yeah, right. They're a bunch of sourpusses. I mean, you'd THINK it's because my jokes are too "advanced" for their still developing brains, but I dumb it down QUITE a bit for them!"

"We all still laugh at ya'll's jokes all tha' time, Mr. D," Applejack reminded.

"That's because you girls have HUMORS," Mr. Discord replied. "Which is why I wish you were still in my class!" He sighed. "Ah, well....they can't ALWAYS be winners....." he then remembered Toby, as the sugar of the bear claw soared through him. "Hmmmm....MAYBE you can enhance my class, young Toby. You seem to be a very well-mannered and respectable young man. I assume you have to day off today, since you just got here?"

Toby nodded. "Yes, Mr. Discord. I still need to get supplies."

"Ah. That's alright, my boy! That grump-fest of a class will still be here tomorrow.....unFORTUNATELY..."

"I'm sure Toby will do his best to make your class a more enjoyable atmosphere, Mr. Discord," Sunset Shimmer spoke up. "Me and the girls have been enjoying his presence. Right, girls?"

All the girls nodded. "He's an awesome little dude!" Rainbow Dash said.

"He is MOST charming, I assure you," gushed Rarity.

"He's already in my BESTEST friends group!" Added Pinkie Pie. "Which consists of-well, EVERYBODY!" She giggled.

"Heck, ah think he'll be a mighteh great addition to ya'll's classroom," said Applejack. "Ah caint wait for him to meet mah sister. He's a dandeh lil' feller."

"He's so kind," added Fluttershy. "And sweet, and it seems he has a heart of gold. If he can be as funny as Pinkie Pie, or as chaotic as you, Mr. Discord, I know he'll have a great time here at CHS...." Fluttershy's words made Toby want to cry, considering she was the human counterpart of his mama. It was like mama herself was saying all those sweet things.

"Well, it's settled, then!" Proclaimed Mr. Discord. "Tomorrow, my classroom will be a more lively and chaotic area! It seems to me you may be a bit shy, young Toby. Do not worry about that! As long as you have fun, nothing else matters. Ms. Fluttershy has proven THAT over the years," Mr. Discord winked at Fluttershy. Fluttershy giggled in response.

"I can't wait to meet all of my classmates, Mr. Discord," Toby replied.

"Oh, sonny....if I were you, I'd be able to wait quite a bit longer..." Mr. Discord chuckled. "Either way, I'm sure just your mere presence will make them loosen up a bit. They're FAR too young to act this bored! Now, if you all will excuse me...they'll be in here in about a minute, and I want to scare them to death like I did Ms. Shimmer," he chuckled.

"I wasn't that scared..." mused Sunset Shimmer.

"Oh, child...you are a horrible liar...." without another word, Discord plopped himself back inside the black coat in the cubbie.

Applejack rolled her eyes with a slight guffaw. "Come on, gals...school will be starting any minute. We better get ta class."

"You're right," Sunset Shimmer said with a nod. "Toby, you can't come to class with us, I'm sorry. It's against school rules. New students usually can either walk around school or stay in the office until their parents come to pick them up. What would you like to do?"

Toby thought about it for a moment, but he couldn't help by KNOW that his parents wouldn't be picking him up today, or anyday....where he would stay, he'd figure out later, but for now, he wanted to take it step by step.

"I think I'll stay in the office," he answered. "Much safer that way."

Sunset Shimmer giggled. "Yeah, you're right. Hey, you can finally meet Principal Celestia this way! Come on, I'll take you there before I have to go to class," she extended her hand, which Toby took, and they walked out of Mr. Discord's room.

"Jeez, it's stuffy in here..." complained Mr. Discord.

Meanwhile.....

Equestria.....

Twilight was awoken by the pulling off of her sheets.

"Huh?" Twilight groaned, as she sat up and met the eyes of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Discord.

"Not only am I upset that my friend Toby is gone, but my antler and goat horn have swapped places!" Discord yelled at Twilight. Luna put an arm on his shoulder, and he suddenly calmed down.

"We are sorry to awake you, Twilight, but....well, why are you sleeping?" Luna asked confusedly.

Twilight rubbed her eyes. "Well, Cadance told us to go to bed, and me and the girls suddenly all became tired, even thought it's not even 8 o'clock...."

"Hmmmm...." Celestia thought. "Twilight, I think I know why this has all happened. No running water around Equestria can be found, it seems...the rearranging of two of Discord's body parts,"

"TWO!" Discord repeated.

"And now, you and your friends sleeping at such an odd time...." Celestia continued.

"Yes, Princess?" Twilight asked. "What is it?"

Celestia sighed. "I hate to say it....but I believe Toby's absence has had more negative effects than it once appeared..."

Many hours later....

Canterlot High School library....

Toby crept out from under a table in the library. He had went in there about an hour before school ended to look for a good book to read. He was sad when he realized this world had no Daring Do books, but he still found quite a few good ones to read.

To his dismay, though, the librarian seemed to have forgotten he was there, and she had locked up and left before Toby could even check out one book.

Yes, Toby could have just unlocked the deadbolt of the door and left, but there was no one at school......where would he go?

He started to sob as he realized...nowhere.

I still have to find a place to sleep... Toby thought out loud as a few lone tears had a race down his cheeks. It didn't matter which tear won.

Toby looked around, and saw something he hadn't noticed before.....a book was loose on the largest bookshelf behind him.

Toby walked over to the book, and pulled it off the shelf. To his surprise, the top of the ceiling opened, and many small stairs fell against the floor.

This startled Toby, but he still decided to investigate. He climbed up, stair by stair, until he was inside what appeared to be a large attic.

What surprised Toby even more, though, was the waking figure that slept on a pile of books and a blanket that left less to be desired.

"S-....Sunset Shimmer?" Toby whispered.

Sunset Shimmer's hair looked disheveled, but her sleepy eyes shot open, and she gasped when she saw Toby.

"Toby?! What are you doing here?"

Toby wanted to run away, as he had been caught, but Sunset Shimmer wouldn't run away from him, so he would do the same. He walked over to her, and sat down on the pile of books beside her.

"I got locked inside the library looking for a book to read," Toby vaguely answered.

Sunset Shimmer didn't seem convinced. "Toby...you could have just unlocked the door and left....wouldn't your parents come look for you?"

Toby looked at the floor as more tears began to build up.

"Toby...is there something you want to tell me?" Sunset Shimmer asked.

Toby just shook his head, as more tears flowed down his face. His crying ceased when Sunset Shimmer put an arm around him, and pulled him close.

"Listen, Toby...I know we haven't even known each other for a day...but I just want to let you know that you can tell me anything...."

Toby balled up his fists, and looked at Sunset Shimmer straight in the eyes.

There would be no more tears. He would be brave and strong.

"O-okay...." Toby took the deepest breath of his life. "I....I'm not from this world...."

Sunset Shimmer's eyes bulged. "That's not the answer I was looking for..."

"I'm from a world called Equestria," Toby continued. "Everyone there, for the most part, is a talking pony," Sunset Shimmer had already started putting the pieces together. "I am not a pony, though, as I just came there two years ago...I actually used to be in a world just like this, except everyone either had skin like me, or skin like a chocolate bar. They're called humans, just like everyone here...."

"Wait, wait, wait," Sunset Shimmer stopped him. "You mean there's another?"

Toby nodded. "Yes, there is."

"Wow...." Sunset Shimmer couldn't believe it. "Wh-....why did you leave that Earth? How did you end up in this pony world?"

"Well, I used to have a very loving mommy," Toby continued. "She was so nice to me.....one day, though, I was waiting at school for her to pick me up....but she never came...I found out that day that she....." Toby sniffled. "That she...."

"It's alright, sweetheart," Sunset comforted. "Please tell me.....I have to know."

"I found out that she....was dead..." Sunset Shimmer began rubbing her temples, but she still listened. "From that day forward, my daddy, who used to be so good, started to become mean...he would call me names, and hurt my feelings....one night, I had enough of it, so I wished to go to a better home than I had. The next morning, I woke up in Equestria, in mama Fluttershy's be-"

"WHOA!" Sunset blurted out. She had already started to cry for Toby at this point, but she had to have things made more clear. "H-...hold on...did you say....Fl-Fluttershy is your mother?!"

"Mhm....she adopted me not too long after finding me. Th-...that's kind of why I hugged her this morning...I recognized her as a human...."

"Oh my god, Toby......just..." Sunset Shimmer didn't know what to say. "Wait, if you recognized Fluttershy....does that mean...?"

"Yup. I also recognized auntie Rainbow, auntie Rarity, auntie Applejack, and auntie Pinkie."

"They're your aunts?!" Sunset Shimmer asked, shocked.

"Mhm...I also recognized Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Snips, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Lyra, Octavia, and Mr. Discord....I know them all from Equestria."

"Toby....I have a question....do you have someone in your world named....Twilight Sparkle?"

Toby gasped. "Yes! That's auntie Twilight!"

"This is unbelievable....." Sunset Shimmer replied. "Toby, how did you get here?"

"You know that locket that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had? That's my real mommy inside there, the one back on Earth. Auntie Rarity sewed it into the red jacket she made for me...I was at the Crystal Empire, and I wanted to look at this mirror....well, I tripped, and my locket fell out of my jacket, and went through the mirror. This is the most important thing I have in my life, so I had to get it....so, I convinced mama and my aunties to let me get it myself, because I want to be more brave.....when I woke up, I was here."

"Toby...did auntie Twilight ever tell you that she used that portal?" Sunset asked.

Toby nodded. "Yes, she did...which means she has been here too, right?" Toby gasped. "Are you and auntie Twilight friends, Sunset Shimmer?!"

Sunset Shimmer giggled, looking out at the moon. "Yeah.....we didn't use to be, but.....your auntie Twilight taught me about the magic of friendship, and I will forever be grateful....I just can't believe it....so, you're a human, that's originally from ANOTHER world, which got transported to another world, and now you're in another world?"

Toby nodded. "Yes."

"Well, I mean, I saw you getting bullied outside BY the portal statue, and the fact that your parents would let you come to school alone is a ludicrous idea, but I thought it was all just coincidence....but, you really are from another world...."

Toby nodded.

Sunset Shimmer hugged Toby. "I'm sorry you've had such a bad life, Toby...especially right now....in a new world, with idea what's going on....."

"It not's all bad," Toby replied. "My life got a lot better when I got to Equestria, and it's not that bad right now.....I have you," he pointed at Sunset Shimmer, who smiled lovingly in response.

"W-....wow....thank you, sweetie...I can't tell you how it feels to be loved...."

"A-...are you not loved, Sunset Shimmer?" Toby asked. "Is that why you're sleeping in the library?"

Sunset Shimmer sighed. "I know you told me about your past, Toby...but I....I just can't tell you about mine....you wouldn't feel the way you do about me then...."

Toby gasped, and shook his head. "I'm not trying to make you mad, Sunset Shimmer....but I told you about me, now you need to tell me about you!" He said forcefully. "You think keeping everything inside of you will help? Well, I've been doing that all my life, and I can tell you that it will not! I've only known you for less than a day, Sunset Shimmer, but you saved me from two humans who I love as ponies....I care about you, Sunset Shimmer. And so do others. The human versions of my aunties...do you think they hang out with you because they feel sorry for you? No! It's because you're a pretty, nice, and lovable person! I just told you the darkest times of my life, and the least you could do is do the same for me!"

The old Sunset Shimmer would've flipped her lid, but this Sunset Shimmer was able to control her anger. After all, Toby had many points...in fact, he had nothing BUT points!

Sunset frowned. "Well, I thank you for caring about me...I care about you too, Toby....which is why I don't want to relay my past to you....but, I think you've earned it after everything you've told me....when I scare you, though, you can't blame it on me."

"I won't be scared, Sunset Shimmer. Just let it all out," Toby pleaded.

Sunset Shimmers rubbed her temples for a moment, and then finally sighed. "Well, I'll just put it right out there....building this up is a big waste of time....I'm sleeping here in the attic of the Canterlot High School library...because just like you...I wasn't originally from this world, either..."

Toby gasped. "Y-...you weren't?" Sunset shook her head. "Th-...then....does that mean...?"

"If by that, does it mean I used to be a pony? Well...yeah," Sunset admitted. "I used to live in the pony version of Equestria....I'm guessing you know Princess Celestia if you know Twilight and her friends?"

Toby nodded. "Yup! She's my auntie Celestia!"

"Wow! You have a lot of aunts..." Sunset giggled. "Well, like Twilight is now, I used to be her prized student. Her star pupil. Every giant task, went to me, before any other unicorn...because Celestia trusted me, and so I did what I was told....because truthfully, every task she gave me was as easy as could be. I was the most advanced unicorn at her school for gifted unicorns. I aced every test, and sometimes got bonus points when they were available. I was the apple of my teacher's eye, you could. say."

Toby said nothing, he just sat on the pile of books, continuing to listen.

"However, I was anything but a teacher's pet. Celestia respected me, I could hear it when she talked, the way she looked at me. I could sense how proud she was of me for making it where I was.....I did not share that respect, though. I didn't respect anybo-....anyPONY, except myself. I would do whatever it took to be the next princess of Equestria once Celestia kicked the bucket. I would never have conversations, for talking was not essential to my destiny. I did not "hang out" with the other unicorns in school, nor did I even give them the time of day. Oh sure, they tried to befriend me, but I just shoved them away...looking back, it was stupid on my part to do that, but I was blinded by the throne I saw Celestia sitting in every time the guards led me to talk to her...I could hear it calling my name...and I wanted it....OOOHHH, I wanted it so bad....." Sunset looked down at Toby, seeing that he was not scared. In fact, he seemed fairly interested, which surprised her.

"So, I made no friends....I wanted no friends....I just wanted to be royalty. Nothing would stop me from getting it either. Of course, I was wrong yet again for making that assumption....

One day, I caught sigh of a mirror in the Canterlot Castle. It was in a special room, unguarded. When I found it, Celestia warned me to stay away, telling me "in due time, my student." I didn't see why I had to wait! It was just a mirror...what was so special about it?

I couldn't help myself....I took a quick peek....and what I saw, fueled my destiny even more. I saw me....but I had these weird appendages, and funny looking ears, and I didn't have fur, and my mane looked longer...of course, now I know those weird appendages as hands, and that these ears are common amongst humans. You've got them," she pointed at Toby's ears, and Toby smiled.

"I learned the only "fur" humans had, was their hair, which you could say was my mane...just...longer. So, I saw me as a human in the mirror....only she was wearing a crown...a BIG crown, might I add. It was fit for a princess....this made me think that the mirror would lead me to my destiny. Celestia pulled me away before I could step in, or even look anymore.

For the next few months, I searched the Canterlot archives high and low, looking for something-anything about this magical mirror.....I never found a darn thing on it.

Angry, and tired of waiting, I decided to bring my destiny to myself. I barraged Celestia with cries of "Make me a princess NOW! I DEMAND it!" She tried to warn me to calm down, but my mind had been made up. I wouldn't stop yelling, and I even attacked some of her guards. I didn't kill them, I know that, but they were knocked out pretty well.

Then, I barged into the room with the mirror, and just waltzed right in. As I approached, I saw human me again....with that same crown....it seemed even bigger now. That's what caused me to never look back. I walked right in without a second thought. I whirred around in a vortex of my own colors, and then just...walked out from the other side....to my excitement, I was the same human I saw in the mirror's reflection....I even had some cool clothes, if I do say so myself," she chuckled.

"I agree!" Toby said. "They look very cool!"

"Heh, thanks. I didn't have the big crown, though, so that upset me....I thought about going back, but I knew I couldn't face that wrath of Celestia, she may have banished me. I wanted to be PRINCESS, not BANISHED. In front of my, I saw Canterlot High School....it was nighttime, so everything was locked....except this window right here, leading to the attic. I found a ladder, luckily, climbed up, and went inside to sleep.

The next morning, I snuck out from the library with no one seeing me. Students were everywhere, which made me glad I knew this was a High School beforehand, otherwise I would have been overwhelmed. Back then, Canterlot High only had grades 6-12 in it. Technically, I was in 10th grade when I left Equestria, but school doesn't work like that there. So I did some research, and it turns out I had the body of a 6th grader...to my dismay....still, I didn't want to act suspicious, nor go back home, so signing up for 6th grade was the only option....

I noticed in October of my 6th grade year, that there WAS indeed a crown inside the High School. A REAL one, actually...."

"Is that the Fall Formal Crown?" Toby asked. "Principal Celestia told me about it....I saw that you had one it three times! Congratulations!" Toby said happily.

Sunset ruffled Toby's hair. "Thanks, kiddo. Twilight won it this year, too...they just haven't put her picture up yet. You may have noticed I looked more evil in each picture, didn't you?"

Toby slowly nodded. "Yea, I did. I just thought you were acting silly....."

"No. That wasn't silly, Toby....those were looks of victory. When I first came to this world, and started my 6th grade year, I wasn't exactly "mean" yet, but I was really grumpy. When I saw that crown, though....I immediately became the bully of every grade I was in. 6th grade - Bully. 7th Grade - Bully. 8th Grade- BULLY. I realized I only had to wait three years to get my hand on that crown, since Middle Schooler's can't run for princess of the Fall Formal...nor can we even go to the dance. So, you can imagine my excitement when I went into my 9th grade year.....

Once again, like all three years before....I became not only the class bully, but I became the school bully. Merely for the fact to prove my dominance, and to show everyone early that I wouldn't be messing around. I manipulated Snips and Snails into being my lackeys, which they agreed to be....I made them agree to be my slaves verbally. They said it. They only did it because they were afraid I would beat them up, which I would have were they to refuse.

So, up until a few months ago, they would follow my lead. Whatever I said, went. No questions asked. I was the most powerful student within a few months. Everyone either feared me, or respected me...maybe a mixture of both, in some cases. And if somebody disagreed with my tactics, I'd get girls or guys, depending on the gender, to send a message by beating them up. Sure, they were bigger than me, but I know mind games. I could bend anybody in this school anyway I wanted. NOBODY could touch me.....

In October, my reign of terror truly climaxed, as I won Princess of the Fall Formal...simply because no one ran against me, for fear of being dealt with. I was then more obnoxious and mean-spirited then ever.....like Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, I thought I was better than everybody else. In reality, I'm not better than anybody, but success like that goes to your head pretty quick, especially when you're used to being successful.

So, fast forward to 10th grade....and I was still doing my thing. I had Snips and Snails, and I had my crown. In October, I retained my crown. Still, nobody ran against me. I stepped up my game that year, being even meaner than before.

Fast forward another year, and I still had everything at my disposal. Snips and Snails, my crown, my confidence, my ability to manipulate.....case in point, September of my 11th grade year.... a slue of events happened. There were 5 girls whom I had not encountered yet....I knew OF them....they were in some of my classes, but I wouldn't sit by them, or even talk to them.

Why? Because they were TOGETHER. All FIVE of them, ALWAYS by each other's side, ready to cheer each other help, and lend a helping hand when something was wrong. I despised that quality in them, but there was NO WAY I could take them all down at once.

Still, my intestines gurgled every time I saw them....when you HATE the idea of friendship as much as I did back then, you wish to end all forms of it around you. And these 5 girls, who we both know as Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, were the dictionary DEFINITION of friendship....and that ATE me up inside....

I decided their friendships wouldn't last for much longer....I would sabotage all of their love for each other....one...by one....by ONE....with the help of Snips and Snails, of course. Ya know, I never gave them credit, but I'm going to now.....without them, I would have never won Princess of the Fall Formal. Sure, I had the nastiness, and the brains, but they were the glue that brought everything today...." Sunset sighed.

I had them send fake texts and emails to the five....Pinkie Pie went to the animal shelter Fluttershy was holding a silent auction at, blowing noisemakers and anything she could find. She had gotten a text from "Fluttershy" saying that there was a big party going on over there....really, we just stole Fluttershy's phone without her noticing.

Rarity got emails from "Pinkie Pie", saying she had plenty of volunteers to help her with school events, when really, she was doing it all by herself. That time, we actually used Featherweight to hack into Pinkie Pie's email account.

Now, with three friendships destroyed, I decided to step in and destroy perhaps the strongest one: The friendship of Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

Applejack was having a bake sale, and all I had to do was go up to Rainbow Dash and say it had been moved to another day....friendship number 4? Destroyed. Now, what about friendships like Rainbow Dash and Rarity? Fluttershy and Applejack? They imploded on their own, when all 5 coincidentally showed up in the same spot, and started arguing. Some tried to take sides, and that escalated into MORE arguments, and then finally, they all just walked away. The next day, I saw all 5 of them sitting as far away from each other as possible. Rainbow Dash sat with Lightning Dust and the other jocks, Rarity sat with the preps, Fluttershy sat with the nature kids, Applejack sat with her brother, her sister and her sister's friends, and Pinkie Pie sat with Lyra.

With my plan complete, I steam-rolled the competition, which was none, en-route to winning the Fall Formal crown for a record THIRD time in a row.

Now, we get to this year, and everything changes....I start off the first two months themeanest I have ever been in my my life. I was confident I would get the crown for the 4th in final time, and then I would return to Equestria to rub it in Celestia's face that ONE, I was more successful than she had ever DEEMED me, and TWO, I had been to an alternate universe where she is the principal of a High School.

Then...it happened. One day in late September, I looked at the crown in Celestia's office, and it finally dawned on me.....this "crown"....was nothing but a cheap knock-off. All this time, I was consumed with becoming an all powerful princess, that I would take whatever I could get. I never even noticed that what I got...didn't satisfy me enough.

So, I decided I would be returning to Equestria sooner than I had expected. Of course, I had to wait until the portal to go back had opened up again, which was every 30 days. Two years earlier, out of curiosity, I wanted to see who Celestia's new star student was...it was a purple unicorn, whose name was Twilight Sparkle. Obviously, I stalked her, so I could learn her weaknesses...and I was shocked when I couldn't find ANY. She seemed to be an extremely powerful unicorn...maybe even more powerful than me...of course, I wouldn't allow myself to believe that, but after I learned what she had done with the Elements of Harmony, I had to admit, that she was worthy of my spot.

Which is why I HATED her before I had ever even had a conversation with her.....she stole MY spot. And to add to it, she had FRIENDS. STRONG friendships, including with Celestia, the princess who didn't know how to run a kingdom! I couldn't believe her. Every month for 2 years, I came back to Equestria to watch her.....anypony that saw me, wouldn't recognize me, as it had been a while since I had been back, and Celestia no doubt would erase my name from Equestrian history.

Twilight never caught me, and Celestia never noticed me. I hid in the shadows THAT good....

Then, on my 24th visit...I brought the Fall Formal crown with me....sleeping in the attic of the library DID have its advantages. One of those being that I could walk the halls of the school at night, while nobody else was there. With that, it was child's play for me to take the crown. That night, I left for Equestria, with a fool-proof plan in mind.

When I got there, I had to sneak around some guards, which was easy, and unlock some doors with magic. I was surprised I still had the magic touch after a month of not even having a horn....that's how it was every time, though.

I snuck into Twilight's room, snagged the crown, and replaced it with the Fall Formal one. While making my escape, though, Twilight's assistant dragon, Spike, whom you may know, as well," Toby nodded. "Tripped me with his tail, waking both him and Twilight up.

We then had an intense chase scene, which neither of us won, since she tackled me. Unfortunately for her, I dropped the crown, and it bounced around the room until going through the portal. I may not have won the chase, but I knew at that moment, I had won the war. I left Equestria a moment later, ready to receive the crown I had deserved for so long.....

Imagine my surprise when I find out that Fluttershy found it herself, and returned it to Principal Celestia, not even realizing it was a completely different crown.

So, I had confronted her about this, and who shows up? Than the valiant princess herself.....I was impressed she actually had the guts to continue the war she had started when she STOLE my spot. But I intended NOT to lose.

I did everything I could possibly do...blackmail, lying, stealing....in the end, Twilight, in the span of three days....got five ex-friends back together by convincing them it was me who was the one that broke them apart in the first place, got herself embarrassed by looking like a goof...not that I can blame her. It took me a while to get used to the advanced technology in this world, as well. Got the same people that laughed at her on her side by singing a catchy song in the cafeteria with her five new friends, which ironically have the same names, and look exactly like the five best friends she had in Equestria, and...to top it all off...she WON....the Fall Formal.....interesting twist, huh?" She looked at Toby with a hopeful smile that she hadn't put the young boy to sleep, and was glad to find out his mouth was nearly on the floor at the epic tale.

She giggled. "Yes, I was shocked, too....I had spent nearly all of Twilight's time in this world making her the laughingstock of the entire school...and, in the end, I was the one who was embarrassed.

I immediately commanded Snips and Snails to steal Spike, who had followed Twilight here, and was now a dog, and br-" Sunset was interrupted by Toby's laughing.

"Spike was a dog?" Toby could barely ask as he was having trouble breathing due to excessive laughter.

Sunset snickered, as well. "He sure was....cute little guy, too, I'll say. Unfortunately, cute doesn't grant you mercy from Sunset Shimmer! As Twilight and company raced to save Spike, I stopped them with a giant hammer. I held it up against the mirror, threatening to smash it if they took one more step. This would leave Twilight in this world forever....never able to see her family or friends again....which would be the highest form of revenge for me.

It wouldn't have worked, either way, though. The hammer would have just phases through the mirror itself, and traveled to Equestria. I gave Spike back to Twilight, and then...her friends praised her...and that angered me. It was MY turn to tackle Twilight now, and the crown dropped to the ground as a result. After a small game of hot potato, I FINALLY had my hands on the crown that had alluded me for so, SOOOO looonggg.....

Without an ounce of hesitation, I placed it upon my head. I immediately regretted the decision, as I began to feel the worst pain I've ever felt in my entire life...

A moment later, however, the pain stopped, and I rejoiced in the fact that I was now a giant, flying demon. Why? I'm not sure. I'm guessing my obscene amount of evilness leaked into the ancient fabric of the crown, turning me into a monster. It doesn't matter WHY it happened, though...all that mattered was that it HAPPENED.

I used my demon powers to turn Snips and Snails into demons as well, and also tore apart the entrance to the school, which you didn't hear Mr. Discord say today because you were too busy looking at the room's macaroni art. And then, I turned everyone into mindless drones....or zombies...either works. I was going to send hordes at a time into Equestria, with high hopes of overthrowing Celestia, and taking over the entire country myself. Everypony, EVEN CELESTIA...would kiss MY hoof, and bow before ME!

One friendship filled monologue later, that would have made me cry if I hadn't been a demon at the time, and a burst of rainbows, and I was defeated. A lay in a giant crater, no longer a demon, crying and apologizing for all I had done. Why? Well, when you want something your WHOLE life, get it, and then lose it almost immediately after you get it, many emotions may be felt....but, I just couldn't feel ANGRY anymore....what would be the point? Twilight is not only the better female, but the better mare, AND the better princess....I had tore apart friendships, manipulated many innocent people, and terrorized an entire school...all to fill my unreachable desires.....plus, I think that rainbow blast injected me with feelings I hadn't felt since I was a little filly: regret, sorrow, lament, hope, RESPECT. All of those, and many more. I just felt like I owed it to everybody in this city, to make it up to them.

As I cried, I was shocked to see Twilight pull me out of the crater, and comfort me. I had never been comfort before. It was such a foreign feeling to me, but it felt so RIGHT. I told her I knew nothing about friendship, which was true, to which she gestured to her five friends, saying that they could teach me. I truly believed every word of that she said.

Right away, me, Snips and Snails got to work on putting back together the entrance of the school. Brick by brick. While we worked into the night, they were the first two people I apologized to. They were reluctant, but I was honored that they accepted.

Over the course of the next three months, I made what had to be 500 more apologies...I meant every single one of them. Some still haven't accepted them to this day, but I don't blame them...I'm just glad I built up the courage to apologize in the first place.

Surprisingly, the girls accepted them quicker than anybody else, ESPECIALLY Pinkie Pie. It seems Twilight taught more than just me about friendship....

Now, here I am, three months later. The school has no Fall Formal crown...we never got the original back, and Twilight obviously took hers home. I heard they're trying to raise money for a much higher quality one. By the time it's done this fall, I'll be out of school. But I don't need that crown....I feel like a princess right now, actually. One who is fair, impartial, and doesn't do horrible things to others just to enrich her own black heart. I have many friends now, the latest one...being you, Toby...." she leaned down, and kissed the small boy on his forehead.

Toby's jaw had now been dropped for what seemed like an eternity.

"Wow...that good of a kiss, huh?" Sunset asked, giggling.

"No.....it's just....." Toby tried to find the right words. "Wow....that was the best story I've ever heard...."

"And it's all real, too," Sunset added with a smile. "I wouldn't lie to you, Toby..."

"So...you're sleeping in the school, because you've never gotten enough money to buy a house?" Toby was trying to put the pieces together, but after a tale like that, it was hard.

Sunset Shimmer nodded. "Well, I've gotten some money from babysitting kids, and the school pays me for walking the Kindergartners to school....all that adds up to about a hour bucks. Plus, I've been sleeping here since 6th grade. I've gotten used to it to the point where I really can't imagine sleeping anywhere else..."

Toby yawned, as he looked sad. "Sunset Shimmer...that's not good."

Sunset frowned, as well. "I know, Toby, but....where would I stay?"

Toby thought for a moment. "Why don't you ask one of your friends? If they accepted your apology, that must mean they like you enough to the point where they will let you live in their house!"

Sunset Shimmer looked nervous. "I don't know, Toby....what about you? Don't you need a house, too."

Toby nodded sadly. "I sure do.....I never tried going back home yet, though...do you think that would work?"

"Ya know, it should," Sunset replied. "It's usually opened for three days before it closes, then it doesn't open again another for another month....do you want to go try?"

Toby nodded with a small smile. "I really would, Sunset Shimmer....it's nice to be back in a world with humans like me, but I'm too tired to do anything right now but sleep..."

Sunset laughed. "I feel ya, buddy. Me too, actually...I think my own story tuckered me out. How about we go try in the morning?"

Toby looked confused. "What do you mean by we, Sunset Shimmer?"

"I want to go back to see how everything's doing. I also want to return you to your mother, let her know you were in good hands...plus, I never really got to apologize for Princess Celestia. I'd like to do that, and also let Twilight know that I will forever appreciate what she has done for me. She's impacted me more than anyone else in my life, and she should know that...."

Toby smiled wide, as he lay down beside Sunset Shimmer on the giant pile of books. "I'm so proud of you, Sunset Shimmer....and I'm so glad to call you one of my best friends..."

Sunset Shimmer couldn't help but sniffle at Toby's sweet words. "You're too much, Toby.....I don't know how your father could treat you like that, and kill your mother....I hope he burns in hel-"

"Don't swear, Sunset Shimmer," Toby warned. "It's bad."

Sunset d'awwed, bringing Toby closer to her. "Of course, sweetie......I can't believe you don't mind being this close to me...." a tear fell down her cheek, and ironically landed on a copy of "Tears of An Angel." "I'm....I'm a monster...." she began to quietly sob.

"No!" Sunset suddenly felt her face being grabbed by both of Toby's hands. "No, Sunset Shimmer! You saved me....you've obviously changed, and I couldn't be more proud of you for it. My daddy is a monster...and both my mama, and my mommy are angels....you may have done some bad things, but you're a beautiful angel, Sunset Shimmer. Never forget that."

Sunset Shimmer immediately hugged Toby tight, letting all of her tears soak Toby's red jacket. "Oh! You sweet, SWEET precious baby boy! You give me so much hope......" she began to whisper. "So much hope....."

"Hope for what?" Toby asked, concerned. He didn't want to see Sunset Shimmer cry.

"Hope that I actually CAN be loved....deep down, I know that's all I've ever wanted.....just like you, Toby. Your father hurt you, and you wanted to be loved, so you were sent to Equestria....I wanted to be loved, and it's probably just a coincidence, but now you're here....and now," she looks Toby in the eyes with a tearful smile. "I feel loved....I just want you to know, Toby...if tonight is our only night in the same world, and even though we just met today.....I love you, too.....but it would be selfish of me to keep you here with me, so you must go home...."

"Can we at least have a sleepover, Sunset Shimmer?" Toby asked with his own teary, yet pleading smile.

Sunset Shimmer would never be able to say no to that face. "Of course, my little friend...." she removed Toby's glasses from his face, put them in his case, and set them down off to the side. They embraced each other as they sunk down onto the pile of books, Sunset Shimmer removing one arm so she could pull the blanket over her, and her newest, and most accepting friend.

Both fell asleep like that. Sunset Shimmer in particular finally feeling loved, and finally feeling like she belonged.

It would be one of the best nights of sleep for Toby, and the best night of sleep Sunset Shimmer had ever experienced.

"....Of course...."