Equestria…
Ponyville…
The towns’ ponies were wide awake to greet the morning as some were outside tending to their gardens, while others were taking a morning stroll through Ponyville Park. The central marketplace was also bustling with business as some ponies were trotting around to the variety of merchants, purchasing some of the freshest produce they had to offer. Everything seemed to be perfectly fine in the small, quiet town.
Inside the home of the roommates of Bon Bon and Lyra Heartstrings, the mint green unicorn was starting to stir in her sleep. She let out an exaggerated yawn and reached up to rub at her eyes. When she opened them, she gasped at what she saw. Instead of her hooves, she saw a pair of hands.
AHH! Wait… are these….HANDS?! She blinked her eyes and glanced frantically back and forth at the newly discovered appendages. YES! These are hands, but wait…why are they on my hooves? It doesn’t matter! I’ve got to tell Bon Bon! She beamed with excitement as an ear-splitting grin crept across her face and she started to climb out of her bed.
“Bon Bon! Come look I have… Oof!” Once she climbed off the bed she lost her hoofing on the wooden floor of her bedroom and fell flat on her face. Shaking the cobwebs out of her head, she sat up on her haunches “That didn’t feel good.” She looked down to see that not only were her fore hooves now hands, but also her hind hooves.
The door to Lyra’s bedroom opened and in trotted Bon Bon. “Lyra, what are you…. AH!” Bon Bon gasped as she saw Lyra on her haunches “Lyra, what in the wide, wide world of Equestria happened?! And what are those on your legs?” She trotted up closer to her friend looking over her, examining her new limbs.
Lyra tried to move her hands, but was having great difficulty in doing so. Despite her inability to stand up, she looked up at her friend with a wide grin. “These are hands Bon Bon! These are the things that humans use, the things that little human Fluttershy has for a son uses to grab stuff with instead of using magic or hooves!” Her grin just grew wider with wonder as she couldn’t take her eyes off the new additions to her body.
Bon Bon simply face hoofed herself, letting out an annoyed grunt “Oh sweet Celestia Lyra, how did these ‘HANDS’ end up where your hooves are supposed to be?!”She gave her a worried yet stern look.
Lyra shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know Bon Bon, but isn’t it awesome!? I’m the first ever pony to have hands!” She felt pride swell up in her heart as she tried to stand up, but failed as she fell flat on her stomach, splayed out onto the floor. “I’ve just got to figure out how to use them, of course.” She looked up at Bon Bon with a sheepish smile.
Bon Bon looked down at her disapprovingly, shaking her head. She sighs heavily “Well, it looks like you and me are going to have to go pay Princess Twilight a visit. Do you think you could somehow levitate yourself onto my back Lyra? Apparently it looks to me that you won’t be able to walk anyway with those things on all four of your legs.”
Lyra nodded and lit her horn up, levitating herself up onto Bon Bon’s back. “I hope Princess Twilight won’t get rid of my hands. I really like them, Bon Bon.” She smiled proudly.
Bon Bon simply shook her head “Just hold onto me, Lyra.” She turned to exit out of Lyra’s bedroom to leave their home and head toward the Ponyville train station.
Canterlot High School…
Sunset Shimmer and Toby approached the school just in time as they entered through the doors, and the morning bell rang. “Whew… just got here in the nick of time, little brother, didn’t we?” She let out a sigh and rubbed at the top of Toby’s head, ruffling his hair.
He let out a light giggle and smiled up at Sunset. “Yes we did, sister Sunset. I guess we should get to…” He paused what he was saying as he eyed the flyer on the wall and immediately walked over to it, letting go of Sunset’s hand. He turned and looked up at her with a bright smile. “Sister Sunset, look at this!” He said excitedly as Sunset walked up to him and looked at the flyer.
A soft smirk crept across her face as she examined the flyer closely. “Oh, it looks like the choir is in search of a pianist from third grade and up.” She placed the tip of an index finger against her chin and smiled warmly down at Toby. “Hmm… I know what little buddy, how about after school today, we go to the band room and you can audition?”
He looked up at her with a beaming, hopeful smile. “Really sister Sunset, you would do that for me?” He looked at the flyer again with tears stinging his eyes.
Sunset crouched down and held his little hand in both of hers. “Of course little buddy, and I know that you’ll do great.” She gave him a wink and reached up to rub at his cheek.
Toby gave her a tearful smile as he wrapped his little arms around her neck. “Thank you, sister Sunset! I promise I won’t let you, the girls, my mommy, my momma, and my family back in Equestria down!” He spoke full of pride.
She rubbed up and down his back. “I know you won’t, buddy.” She turned her head to give him a soft kiss on the cheek before they broke the embrace, and she stood back up, taking his hand in hers. “Now let’s get you to class so you're not late, okay?” He looked up at her and nodded as the two made their way to Mr. Discord’s class.
Meanwhile from a darkened area of the hallways lurked Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon with meticulous smirks plastered on their faces. Diamond crossed her arms proudly as she looked at Silver Spoon “Silver, meet me at my locker during lunch...and make sure you bring Featherweight with you. I’m afraid that the little shrimp’s audition is not going to be as successful as he and his bodyguard think it will.” She let out a lowly chuckle.
Silver Spoon nodded, letting out a sinister chuckle of her own “You got it, Diamond. I’ll see you then.” They gave each other high fives before walking to their separate classes.
Crystal Empire…
Crystal Castle…
In one of the numerous palace bedrooms that she shared with Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon started to stir in her sleep. She let out a soft yawn and reached up to rub at her eyes with her hooves “Mm… what a wonderful night of sleep, wouldn’t you say, Diamond?” She asked her friend who was just starting to stir in her sleep as well.
Diamond Tiara let out a soft yawn as well. “You can say that again, Silver. I slept like a…. AAH!” She let out a scream as she blinked her eyes open, causing Silver Spoon to jump and fall out of the bed they were sharing.
Filthy Rich shot up in a separate bed he was sleeping in. “I’m up… I’m up.” He let out an exaggerated yawn. He blinked his eyes open. “Diamond, what’s wrong, sugarplum?” He reached up and rubbed at his eyes with his hooves.
Silver Spoon slowly got to her hooves, shaking her head. “What in Equestria was that for, Diamond?!” She yelled as she blinked her eyes some more, only to see everything in front of her with blurred vision. She reached for her glasses on the table by her and Diamond’s bed, but couldn’t feel them. “Wait… where are my glasses? I can’t see without my glasses!” She frantically navigated her hoof all over the table’s surface, unable to find them.
“I’ve got them on my face Silver!” Diamond reached up to pull them off, but once she did they tugged at her ears, causing her to yelp in pain. “Ow!” She shook her head “They’re stuck!” She tried pulling them again, causing herself to yelp in pain again.
Filthy Rich climbed out of his bed and trotted over to his daughter “Oh dear, this must be another side effect of the young lad being gone.” He tilted his head from side to side examining Diamond’s predicament closely.
Silver Spoon fell down on her haunches and lowered her head “Well, what are we supposed to do now? I have Diamond’s tiara stuck to my head, she has my glasses stuck to her face, and my little sweetie pie is still gone!” She let out a heavy sigh and started to pout.
Diamond frowned at her friend’s sadness and carefully, yet wobbly climbed out of the bed to sit down beside her. She placed a hoof onto Silver Spoon’s shoulder. “Silver, I know these weird changes that are happening are troublesome, but I promise as long as we stick together, everything will be alright.”
Silver Spoon sniffled and looked up at her friend with a soft smile, although Diamond appeared to be just a blurry-bob in front of her. “Thank you, Diamond. I needed that. I know everything will be okay.” She reaches her forelegs up, and waves them in front of her to try and find Diamond so she could hug her.
Diamond let out a chuckle and reached up to help wrap Silver’s forelegs around her neck. “That’s what I’m here for, Silver. To be your friend, and never let you down.” She gave a wink. “Silver… I don’t know how you can see out of these things. It’s like looking out of a fishbowl!” She let out another light-hearted chuckle, which was shared with Silver Spoon and Filthy Rich.
Down the hallway in another bedroom, Pinkie Pie was struggling with her own dilemma with her deflated cutie mark. Her usual puffy mane and tail were also both deflated out of sadness as she let out a heavy sigh. As she laid in her bed staring up at the ceiling, a series of thoughts ran through her mind of how to get her balloons inflated again.
Hmm… there has to be a way to bring my cutie mark back to normal. I just don’t feel very happy with my cutie mark in the shape it is. And worse.....I don’t feel like partying! This is bad if even me, Pinkie Pie, the party pony extraordinaire doesn't feel like having a party.
She clenched her eyes shut tight in concentration, and placed her fore hooves against her temples. She rubbed at them, trying to think of how to inflate her cutie mark. Suddenly she snapped her eyes open, and a wide grin formed across her muzzle “Aha! I got it!” She exclaimed as she climbed off the bed and trotted over to her saddlebags she brought along with her.
She scavenged through both pockets until she touched something “Yes! I knew I brought it along with me!” She squealed happily as she pulled out a helium tank with a hose that was divided three ways with three nozzles and placed it on the floor. “Now, let’s see if this works.”
She turned to face her flank toward the tank and place the nozzles in each of the balloons. Here we go, I hope this works! She thought as she reached up to turn the air on. Within seconds, the three balloons of her cutie mark were blown up and start to float in the air, bringing her with them.
She giggled excitedly “Yes! I finally got them back to normal!” Her tail and mane puffed up once again, but suddenly the balloons started to deflate one by one. As soon as she inflated her cutie mark, they ran out of air in mere seconds, and she fell from midair onto the floor with a thud. “Aww! Still no luck.” She let out a grunt of annoyance and placed her hoof under her chin to start thinking again.
Inside the room with the mirror, Fluttershy lay on the floor, staring into the reflective surface. Tears were stinging her eyes, threatening to escape as she thought deeply about her son being away from her for what felt like an eternity to her. She closed her eyes softly and allowed the tears to roll down her cheeks, letting out a heavy sigh.
“Flutters, are you okay?” Fluttershy sniffled, opened her eyes, and turn to see Rainbow Dash trotting in. She gave the yellow Pegasus a warm smile. “I just wanted to come and check-up on you.” She trotted up to Fluttershy and laid down beside her, placing a wing comfortably over her back.
Fluttershy gave Rainbow a light smile “I’m doing okay, Rainbow Dash. I just miss my precious little boy so much. I really hope he’s okay.” A lone tear rolled down her cheek.
Rainbow Dash looked toward the mirror and a frown formed across her muzzle as she saw her reflection of her mane still in cornrows as she let out a heavy sigh. She shook her head and turned to look at her friend. “Don’t worry Flutters, I’m sure my little nephew is doing fine. In fact, I bet you that the little guy is showing those other versions of us what an awesome kid he is!” She rubbed her wing along Fluttershy’s back and gave her a reassuring, confident smile.
The little smile on Fluttershy’s muzzle grew a little more “I believe you’re right, Rainbow. I’m sure Toby is being the brave little boy I know he can be. It just feels empty without him here, though. But I’m sure the other version of me and the others are taking good care of him.”
Rainbow smiled proudly at Fluttershy. “That’s the spirit, Fluttershy. Just wait and see, I bet in no time, Toby will be coming through that mirror the same little cool dude he went in, but with a whole new bravery.” She smirked proudly. “Now, what do you say we go see what’s for breakfast in the dining hall?”
Fluttershy smiled warmly at the cyan mare. “That sounds like a good idea, Rainbow. Maybe some food will help make me feel better too.” The two stood up, and trotted out of the room.
Canterlot High School…
Room E207…
While Mr. Discord was writing down a word problem on the blackboard, the students were talking amongst themselves. Sitting in the back was Toby, who was coloring in a picture he drew of his mom and aunts as he thought about them. He smiles proudly at his drawing while he is coloring it, but felt tears start to sting his eyes. He closed them softly, took in a deep breath, and exhaled deeply so to prevent them from being noticed.
I sure do miss Momma and my aunties. I hope they’re okay and nothing bad is happening with me gone.
He let out a heavy sigh as he opened his eyes back up only to see his picture being swiped off his desk. He snapped his head in the direction, and behind him sat Matilda, who was holding his picture in front of her face, examining it with a sinister smirk. He turned in his seat with a pleading look in his eyes. “Please, Matilda, give that back to me. Why can’t you just leave me alone for one day?” He asked with his usual soft tone mixed a hint of sternness.
Her smirk grew wide as she held out the picture in front of him. “Oh, do you mean this picture of the colorful little horses you dweeb?” She snickered as she waved the picture in front of Toby, and placed her other hand on it. “Don’t you know that ponies are for little girls and sissies like you?”
Toby’s face paled as he looked at Matilda threatening to rip his drawing in half “Please don’t, Matilda. I’ve worked hard on that. “ He pleaded with Matilda.
She shrugged her shoulders. “Alright nerd, I won’t tear it. Here you go….oops!” She ripped the drawing in half quickly. “Aw… I guess my hands slipped. Sorry dweeb.” She snickered as the two halves floated down into the hands of Toby.
His face paled and his lips started to quiver as he looked at the torn drawing of his family. He looked up into Matilda’s eyes with tears of his own. “W-why did you do that for Matilda?!” He cried out, catching the attention of the class and Mr. Discord.
Matilda smirked proudly at her work as she mocked Toby by bringing up a hand balled up in a fist and acted like she was wiping away tears “Aw… is the little sissy going to cry?” She snickered.
Toby lowered his head in sorrow as he held the picture close to him as Matilda continued to laugh at his sadness. The other classmates just shook their heads disapprovingly at the girl, but Mr. Discord slammed the piece of chalk he was writing with on his desk. He stared daggers at Matilda. “Ms. Matilda, up to the front of the class...NOW!”
Matilda looked up as she was snickering and grunted out of annoyance as she heard Mr. Discord call her up to the front. She sighed heavily. “Yes, sir.” She got up and as she passed Toby, she punched at his shoulder roughly, causing him to make a yelp of pain.
Mr. Discord shook his head disapprovingly as Matilda approached his desk. “For that action, Ms. Matilda, you have detention after school. Do you understand me?” He crossed his arms and quirks an eyebrow at her.
She let out a disgruntled sigh. “Yes, sir.” She crossed her arms and quirked an eyebrow as well towards Mr. Discord. “Is that all, SIR, or may I go sit down?”
He let out a light chuckle. “Of course you may go sit down, Ms. Matilda, but not at your desk. You know the consequences of not only disrupting the class, but more importantly causing trouble to your classmates.” He gave a light smirk and looked at the class. “And what are those consequences, class?”
“If you act like an unruly chap, you must wear the dunce cap!” The class sang in unison.
Mr. Discord clapped his hands together. “Right you are, class!” He walks over to the side of the classroom and opens a cabinet, pulling out a white cone-shaped cap with the word “DUNCE” in bold, sophisticated letters.
Matilda gasped at the sight of the dunce cap and threw her arms up in the air “But, sir… I don’t think…” She was cut off by Mr. Discord raising a single finger, waving it at her.
“No buts, little missy. You’ve heard your fellow classmates. So put the cap on and go sit down in the corner...or shall I give you a whole week of detention?” A light smirk crept across his face and he quirked an eyebrow.
Matilda closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh, crossing her arms, and took the dunce cap from Mr. Discord’s grasp. “Fine, sir.” She grunted as she walked over to the corner where a stool was placed and sat down.
The class started to giggle as Mr. Discord held up his hand “Now, now class, we shouldn’t laugh at others’ mistakes or acts of cruelty.” He looked at the class then spoke to Toby. “Mr. Mason, could you please come up to my desk please, and bring your drawing with you?” He gave Toby a warm smile.
Toby gave Mr. Discord a light nod. “Yes, sir.” He carefully stood up from his desk, holding the torn picture in his hands, and walked up to the front of the class.
Mr. Discord smiled down at him and placed a hand gently on his shoulder. “May I see your picture, my good lad?” Toby nodded and handed him the drawing. Mr. Discord carefully took both halves and examined them closely. He placed a finger against his chin in a thinking manner “Hmm… hold on for a minute, Mr. Mason. I have an idea.” He patted Toby on the shoulder as he placed the picture on his desk and walked back over to the cabinet he pulled the dunce cap out of.
He returned with a large piece of white construction paper and handed it to Toby. He walked around his desk, took a piece of clear tape from the tape dispenser sitting on it, and carefully taped the two ripped halves back together. He smiled proudly at his work and carefully handed it back to the child. “Here you go, young man. Now, what I would like for you to do with that construction paper is draw the same picture, but only larger so the whole class can see it. How does that sound my lad?”
Toby smiled happily up at him and nodded. “I’d like to, Mr. Discord. Thank you for putting it back together.” He carefully held the newly fixed drawing in one hand and the construction paper in the other.
Mr. Discord returned the smile. “You are quite welcome, Mr. Mason. Now you go work on your drawing and just come up to see me when you are done.” He gave him a light smirk and wink.
Toby nodded “Yes, sir.” He turned to walk back to his desk, when he heard a snarl coming from over in the corner. He shivered a bit, but went to his desk to start on his new and larger drawing.
After several minutes passed and the time came for the recess bell to ring, Toby finished his drawing. He stood up from his desk and walked up to Mr. Discord’s desk, facing his drawing toward the teacher. “I’m done with my drawing, Mr. Discord.” He gave him a smile of pride.
Mr. Discord smiled warmly and nodded. “Well, it is indeed a fine drawing, Mr. Mason. May I see it for a second?” Toby nodded and carefully handed it to him. Mr. Discord stood up from his desk. “Class, before you all go outside for recess, I’d like for you all to look at this wonderful drawing that our young Mr. Mason has drawn. The same drawing that Ms. Matilda so rudely decided to tear in half.” He turned the picture toward the class.
The class smiled and applauded in approval of the hard work Toby put into his drawing, causing pride to swell up in his heart, and tears to sting his eyes. He smiled brightly. “Thank you all, and thank you, Mr. Discord.” He looked up at his teacher, who patted his back. An annoyed huff escaped Matilda’s lips as she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
“No need to thank me, my lad. I think this beautiful piece of art is deserving of being placed right up here.” Mr. Discord reached up to carefully slide the construction paper into the slot at the top of the whiteboard. “Now, you all may go outside and have fun.” He gave the class a big smile as they got up to exit the classroom.
Before Toby walked out, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned around to look up at Noi. He gave her a soft smile “Hi there, Noi.”
She gave him a warm smile and pulled him into a warm hug. “That is a beautiful picture you drew, sweetie. You should be proud of yourself, and don’t let Matilda try to bring you down. Okay, Toby?” He gave her a nod and returned the smile. She took his hand in hers. “Let’s go outside, Toby.” They walked out of the classroom together.
Mr. Discord smiled at the two, and then turned to Matilda, who was slowly standing up from her stool. “Ms. Matilda, you may go outside as well, but I expect to see you after school for detention. Am I clear?”
She gave him a nod, crossing her arms “Yes, sir.” She let out a heavy sigh and walked out of the classroom.
Equestria…
Whitetail Woods…
Kevin, Nikolai, and Riley were traveling through the safer of forests of the land as they were making their way toward the Ponyville train station. Nikolai, still bewildered about being in the body of Riley, kept his eyes on his loyal companion, whom was in his body. The wolf was still having great difficulty in walking in Nikolai’s body as he was walking in a wobbly manner along the ground.
“C’mon, boy. Just a few more miles, then you can finally rest.” Nikolai reassured his friend as Riley started to pant heavily, the tongue of Nikolai hanging out from one side of his mouth. Nikolai let out a sigh as he planted his paws firmly into the ground. “Kevin, do you think we could…. Whoa!” Nikolai gasped as he turned towards the satyr boy.
Kevin turned around to see Nikolai’s wolf mouth agape. “What’s wrong? Do I got something on my face?” He looked at the two confusedly.
Without warning, Nikolai burst out laughing. “Well, there’s nothing on your face, but it’s your face completely.” He chuckled uncontrollably.
Kevin tapped a hoof against the ground and tried to cross his arms, but felt them weighing him down. He looked down to find that they were legs just like his hind legs “What in Equestria?” He asked out loud as he fell forward, but caught himself by landing his fore hooves on the ground.
Nikolai sighed heavily as he calmed his laughing and waved a paw toward him. “Come here, buddy. I think you should see something.” He waited for Kevin to follow him as the two walked, while Riley wobbled over to a creek that flowed through the Whitetail Woods. Nikolai pointed at the moving water with a paw “See Kevin, you’ve changed as well.”
Kevin slowly leaned forward to look into the reflective surface of the creek and gasped. Instead of looking at his half human form, he saw that his face was that of a pony, and his upper torso was also that of a pony. He reached up to rub at his face with his hooves, not believing the change, but he couldn’t deny it. He let out a heavy sigh. “Oh gosh, there is no telling what else might happen to us. We got to get to the princess...pronto. Are you two ready to…” He cut himself off when he saw Nikolai leaning on his wolf legs and Riley kneeling on his knees as both were dunking their head into the creek to drink at the water.
Well, I guess a drink of water won’t hurt. Kevin thought to himself as he leaned his head down and began lapping at the fresh cold water. Mm…that is refreshing, but I hope this doesn’t last long. I miss my human half.
Canterlot High School…
Locker 10C…
Diamond Tiara was fluffing her hair as she looked into the mirror on the inside of her locker door. She smirked proudly at her beauty. “Ah…. Diamond, you indeed are a goddess.” She spoke to herself as she heard footsteps approaching. She quickly shut her locker door only to see Silver Spoon bringing Featherweight with her, pulling him by the collar of his shirt.
“Here he is, Diamond. I had to track him down at the library.” Silver Spoon let out a heavy sigh as the two stopped in front of Diamond’s locker.
Featherweight shook free from Silver’s grip. “Well, I had to download the music you both wanted me to onto my iPod. You know, searching for classical piano music isn’t easy.” He pulled out his iPod, and handed it to Diamond. “Now, you know, as soon as Silver Spoon sits down on the piano bench and puts her fingers to the keys, just press play, and Silver Spoon will take care of the rest.”
Diamond simply rolled her eyes. “Yes, Featherweight, I understand what to do.” She placed a hand against one of his cheeks and planted her lips against the other. “Thank you for doing this for me. You know you are a special boy to me, don’t you?”
Featherweight blushed deeply. “Y-yes I do, Diamond, but do you really think this is right to do to a young child? I mean, sabotaging his audition is kind of… how can I say it...mean.” He swallowed nervously as Diamond gave him a stern look.
She rubbed at his cheek “Featherweight, what have I told you before? The little shrimp needs to understand who truly runs this school, and that is me.” She let out a giggle and grins mischievously. “And don’t think of it as sabotaging, think of it as leverage for Silver Spoon to nail her audition.” She gave Featherweight a wink and grinned at Silver Spoon, who returned the grin.
Diamond reached behind her for her backpack, and pulled out what appeared to be a music composition book. She opened it and placed a sheet of paper with randomly written musical notes on it into it, putting it in Featherweight’s hands. “I’m glad Mr. Keyes was gone while I snuck in and got this. Now all you have to do, Featherweight, is take this back and open it up to the page with the incorrect notes on it.” She gave a wink.
Featherweight let out a heavy sigh and nodded. “Yes, Diamond Tiara. I’ll do it.” He turned and walked off toward the band room.
Silver Spoon gave Diamond a dreamy look. “Oh… you are so… clever when coming up with ideas, Diamond.....” She smiled brightly.
“Uh… thanks, I guess.” Diamond looked at her friend confusedly as they walked off from her locker.
Schoolyard…
Recess…
Matilda sat at the base of a tree with her lips pursed with anger and her brows furrowed as she watched the kids play. She picked at blades of grass and flicked them, letting out a snarl as the thought of being embarrassed by Toby flashed in her mind. She let out a disgruntled huff as she scanned the playground until she spotted the little boy with some other kids playing and the scowl that once adorned her face turned into a sly, evil smirk.
She stood up from the ground and walked over to the group of children sitting around in a circle. She stood over them “Well, what are you guys playing today?” She asked in a reluctant, soft tone.
“We’re playing duck, duck goose.” One of the kids spoke. “W-would you like to play with us Matilda?” The child asked nervously, being intimidated by the imposing girl.
She gave a sweet, yet fake smile. “Sure. Is that okay with you, though, Toby?” She turned to look at the little boy.
He looked up at her with a light smile. “O-okay Matilda, you can join us. Since you’re standing up, it can be your turn, if that’s okay with you.” He swallowed a little nervously.
She smirked and nodded. “Okay. That sounds like a good idea to me.” She gave a snicker as she started to slowly and meticulously walk around the circle, tapping each of the kids on the head “Duck… duck… duck…” She continued to do this for one revolution. As she started the second go around, her smirk grew wider as she slowly approached Toby “Duck… duck… goose!” Instead of tapping Toby on the head, she went to head butt him.
He saw this in the corner of his eye and immediately rolled to one side, dodging her attack, and causing her to land on the ground with a soft thud on her stomach. He stood up as the other kids started to laugh at the fallen bully. Toby giggled as well and stuck his tongue out at her, blowing a raspberry. “It looks like you’re the biggest goose, Matilda!”
She slammed her hands against the ground, spat some dirt out of her mouth and stood up. She glared daggers at the child. “Why you little… you’re dead!” She snarled as she targeted him.
He swallowed nervously “Uh… oh.” He turned and ran toward the school as Matilda charged after him. He ran through the school doors just in time before Matilda caught up to him.
She grunted out in anger and kicked her foot at the ground casting dirt against the wall of the school. She closed her eyes and thought to herself. I’ll get that little brat next time. She huffed and walked back to the tree she was sitting at previously.
After school.....
Room E207.....
Toby was waiting outside of Mr. Discord’s classroom for Sunset Shimmer as he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. Okay Toby, you can do this. You will do good during your audition and become a part of the school choir as it’s pianist. His thoughts were interrupted as he opened his eyes to see a hand on his shoulder, and he looked up to see Sunset looking down at him with a warm smile.
“Are you ready for your audition little buddy?” She rubbed at his shoulder warmly and comfortably.
He looked up at her and nodded. “Yes I am, sister Sunset.” She offered her hand for him to take and he took it into his little hand as they walked down the hallway toward the band room.
Band Room…
The room was empty except for the band instructor Mr. Keyes, who was looking over the instruments. They were still in perfect condition and none were damaged. He wore a pair of beige khaki pants with a brown leather belt, a powdered blue buttoned up short-sleeve shirt, and a black tie. As he was checking the instruments, he heard footsteps enter the room and turned to the owners of those footsteps.
“Well hello and welcome you two. Are you here to audition for the role of pianist in our choir?” He gave them a warm smile as he noticed Sunset “Oh! Ms. Shimmer, it is a pleasure to see you here again. Are you considering on joining band?” He quirked an eyebrow and looked at the boy standing beside her. “And who might you be young man?”
Sunset smiled warmly at Mr. Keyes “Thank you for the offer Mr. Keyes, but no, I don’t plan on joining band anytime soon." She smiled down at the child and rubbed at his head, playfully ruffling his hair “This sweet child is Toby Mason, and he would like to be the one to audition for pianist.”
The instructor nodded and reached out his hand. “Well, it is nice to meet you Mr. Mason.”
Toby reached out his hand and shook Mr. Keyes’ hand. “It is good to meet you too, Mr. Keyes. Yes, I’d like to audition for pianist of the choir, because I used to play the piano with my mommy.” He gave a light smile.
“Ah… so you do have experience at playing the piano I see.” He smirked softly. “And what grade might you be in Toby?” He asked curiously.
“I’m eight years old and in the third grade, sir.” He gave Mr. Keyes a warm smile.
Mr. Keyes nodded “Hmm… well, like the flyer said, all students from the third grade and up are qualified to audition. Just let me go get the piano ready and I’ll let you know when to start your audition. Okay, my lad?”
Toby nodded “Yes, sir.” He let out a heavy sigh and looked up at Sunset. “Sister Sunset, I hope I do good. I want to make my mommy, momma, aunties, you, and my new friends proud of me.” He looked up at her with a tearful and hopeful smile.
Sunset knelt down on her knees to Toby and held each of his hands in hers. She looked into his eyes. “Listen to me little brother, I know you’ll do good, and you will make everyone very proud. I promise.” She gave him a soft kiss on the forehead and stood back up.
Suddenly Toby felt something on his shoulder and turned to see a hand. He slowly tilted his head back to look up at the eyes of Diamond Tiara, and beside her stood Silver Spoon, causing him to start to shake. He swallowed nervously as he spoke “H-hi Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, what are you two doing here?”
Yeah, here to crush the little guy’s hopes and ruin his audition, I bet. Sunset thought to herself as she put on a fake, warm smile as she looked at the two girls.
Diamond gave Toby a warm smile, noticing his shaking under her stare. She rubbed from his shoulder down his arm. “Nervous, little guy? Can't blame you.” She felt him calm his shaking at her touch. “I’m here to support Silver Spoon, because she’s going to audition as well, but we would also like to wish you luck on your audition, Toby.”
Silver Spoon nodded in agreement. “Diamond is right, little one. I’m going to try my hand at playing the piano, but most importantly, we are here to wish you nothing but the best. “She gave him a warm smirk as she placed her hand on Toby’s other shoulder.
Sunset crossed her arms, unconvinced with the girls’ intentions, but she kept the smile on her face for the sake of Toby. “Well, that is nice of you two, and we would like to wish you luck as well, Silver Spoon.” Deep down, however, she was seething just at the sight of the two prissy drama queens.
Silver Spoon smiled proudly at Sunset. “Well, thank you, Sunset. I really appreciate that. “ She blushed.
Toby looked up at the two with a light smile. “Thank you Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.”
They crouched down and gave him a gentle kiss on each of his cheeks. “You’re welcome, little guy.” They said in unison.
Mr. Keyes walked back to the group. “Alright, Mr. Mason, the piano is all set for you to audition.” He gave the boy a warm smile, then saw the other two and his smile noticeably drooped. “Oh. Ms. Tiara and Ms. Spoon, are you two planning on auditioning as well?”
Diamond shook her head lightly. “Nah… No sir, not me, just Silver Spoon. I’m just here for moral support, that’s all.” Silver Spoon nodded in agreement.
Mr. Keyes nodded and motioned for Toby to follow. “Well, that sounds like a good friend indeed, Ms. Tiara. Please follow me, Mr. Mason, and take your position at the piano.” He placed a hand on Toby’s back gently and guided him to the piano.
Toby nodded as he walked toward the piano “Yes, sir.” He approached the bench and sat down before the piano.
Sunset took a seat in one of the empty chairs, along with Diamond and Silver, who sat a few seats down from her. She couldn’t help but glance at the two with a confused look on her face. I just hope they mean what they say and aren’t here to hurt Toby mentally even more. She let out a heavy sigh as she crosses her arms and legs, and gives her attention to Toby, who looks at her with a light smile. She puts both of her thumbs up and gives him a reassuring smile.
“Alright Mr. Mason, I’d like for you to play the required piece of music. After you’re done, I’ll let you know if you are the choir’s pianist or not. Okay?” He crosses his arms and sits back against his chair.
Toby nods and turns his attention to the music sheet. He closes his eyes. This is for you, mommy. He thought to himself. He took in a deep breath and exhaled deeply as he opened his eyes and placed his hands on the piano keys.
He began reading the notes, and started to stroke at the keys, but the result was a clash of random keys that sounded like a car crash. Each time he would press a key, Toby would wince at the sound it would make. His lips started to quiver and he looked at the music sheet with a look mixed with confusion and shock.
This doesn’t sound right, but I’m playing it just like how it reads. He started to breathe in and out heavily, becoming nervous as he continued to play the notes.
Sunset couldn’t help but contort her face in confusion at the mess of sounds the piano was making as Toby played. She frowned at the nervousness he was showing. Poor kid! This has to be crushing his little heart. She thought as Mr. Keyes held up his hand.
“Please… please stop Mr. Mason!” He directed strictly and slowly stood up from his seat.
Toby stopped playing the piano and started to shake timidly as he turned to look at the instructor. He lowered his head sadly, feeling ashamed of how he played. He let out a shuddering sigh as Mr. Keyes carefully approached him and crossed his arms.
“Young man. Can you explain to me what that monstrosity of piano playing was all about?” He quirked an eyebrow at the child and tapped his foot against the floor.
Toby folded his hands in his lap, keeping his head lowered, and started to shake even more under Mr. Keyes’ stare. He responded a bit shakily. “I-I don’t know, sir. I was playing the music like it was written, Mr. Keyes, I swe…” He was cut off as Mr. Keyes held his hand up again.
“That’s ENOUGH, Mr. Mason. I’m truly sorry to tell you, but you will not become the choir’s new pianist with THAT kind of dribble.” He looked down at Toby with disappointment.
Toby looked up at Mr. Keyes with tearful eyes. “B-but sir....I…” He was cut off with a stomp on the floor.
“No buts young man! Now you go on, because you have disgraced the art of music with that gosh awful display.”
He closed his eyes and shook his head disapprovingly.
Toby’s lips quivered and he felt his heart break at the hurtful words of the teacher. He stood up from the bench and looked up at Mr. Keyes. “I-I’m sorry sir if I wasted your time.” He lowered his head in shame and ran out of the band room crying.
Sunset reached out for him as he passed her, but was unable to grab him “Toby… wait!” She turned to look at Mr. Keyes disapprovingly. "I hope you're happy.....what kind of teacher talks to a young student like that?" She turns around and runs after him.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon snickered with one another and quietly gave each other a high five. Mr. Keyes rubbed at his temples before turning to the two “Ms. Spoon, it’s your turn to play. Let’s hope that you actually know how to play the piano.” He let out a heavy sigh as he motioned for Silver Spoon to go to the piano.
“Yes, sir.” She responded as she stood up and smoothed out her skirt.
Diamond stood up next to her and whispered into her ear “Just do what we talked about and you will do perfect, okay?” Silver smiled at her friend and nodded as she walked toward the piano. Diamond followed her and looked at Mr. Keyes “If it’s okay sir, I’m just going to stand by the piano to show her some moral support. She tends to get nervous if she’s alone without me.”
Mr. Keyes sighed heavily and just waved both of them to the piano. “Yes, it’s fine with me, Ms. Tiara. Now just play the correct music as it is listed, Ms. Spoon.” Silver nodded in response.
With Mr. Keyes’ back turned, Diamond quickly ripped out the fake sheet of music out of the book and crumple it up, placing it in the pocket of her skirt. She took out Featherweight’s iPod, and lowered her hand underneath the piano with her thumb on the play button.
Mr. Keyes sat down in his seat, crossed his arms, and brushed his hand at Silver Spoon. “When you’re ready Ms. Spoon, you may begin.” He rubbed at his forehead with a thumb and forefinger, still trying to get over Toby’s audition.
Silver Spoon nodded as she cracked her fingers and took in a deep breath as she placed them on the piano keys. She looked at Diamond and gave her a slow, light nod as Diamond returned it, and pressed the play button on the iPod. Silver Spoon started to act like she was stroking the ebony and ivory keys as the music played through the iPod.
After just a couple minutes, Mr. Keyes stopped her from playing with a raise of his hand. He carefully stood up from his chair and started clapping his hands together, giving the girl a round of applause. He grinned from ear to ear. “Bravo, Ms. Spoon! I believe the choir has found its newly appointed pianist, and that is in you young lady!” He clapped his hands some more.
Silver Spoon squealed with delight. “Really, sir?” He nodded and she smirked at Diamond who returned the smirk, and both girls quietly snickered with one another.
“Now, I expect you to show up to every band practice and performance. Do you understand, Ms. Spoon?” Mr. Keyes looked at her with a serious expression on his face.
Silver Spoon nodded. “Oh YES, sir. I completely understand. I’ll show up on time at every practice session, I promise.” She gave him a warm smile as Diamond nodded in agreement.
He gave her one last round of applause. “That’s what I like to hear. Now you may leave, Ms. Spoon.” The girls nodded and both exited the band room in a skipping manner.
Outside, Toby was sitting on one of the school’s many benches, hugging his legs up to his chest, and his head buried in his lap. He shook with sobs as he was stunned and heartbroken at the words Mr. Keyes said to him. I know I played the music like it was written. I let Mommy, my family, sister Sunset, and my new friends down. He was interrupted from his thoughts by a gentle touch on his shoulder and he carefully lifted his head up to look into the magenta eyes of Rainbow Dash, who sat down beside him.
She gave him a warm smile. “Hey there, little dude. Is something wrong?” She moved her hand over and started to rub circles around his back.
He uncurled his legs and let them hang off the edge of the bench. He sniffled as he looked up at Rainbow. “Hi, Rainbow Dash.” He spoke in a broken tone as he allowed his tears to roll down his cheeks. “I… I went to audition for pianist of the school choir and… and…” He shook harder with sobs, unable to continue.
Rainbow looked on, concerned for the boy and uncharacteristically she wrapped her arm around Toby’s shoulders and pulled him close to her. She rubbed at his side soothingly and looked down at him. “Shh… it’s okay buddy.” She hated to feel sappy, but she couldn’t stand seeing the child hurt like this as she continued to rub at his side and arm.
Sunset Shimmer had power walked through the entirety of the school looking her friend and new little brother. Come on little buddy, where are you? She thought to herself as concern swept over her face and she walked outside. After walking around for a little bit longer outside, she spotted the little boy sitting with Rainbow Dash.
“Oh, thank GOODNESS you found him, Rainbow.” A smile of relief grew across her face as she sat down on the other side of Toby. She patted his lap and looked at him worriedly. “Hey, buddy. Are you alright?”
He sniffled as he turned his head toward Sunset and looked up at her with a light smile while still in Rainbow’s warm embrace. “Yes, I’m doing a little better, sister Sunset. I… I’m sorry that I let you and everyone down.” He frowned and lowered his head.
Sunset and Rainbow looked at each other with frowns of their own, but Sunset gently placed her hand under his chin. “Toby....sweetheart. Look at me, please.” She spoke soothingly as she rubbed warmly under his chin.
He slowly lifted his head up to look at her with tear stained eyes. She reached up with her other hand to wipe away the stray tears on his cheeks and gave him a warm smile. “That’s better. Now listen to me, Toby. You did NOT let anyone down. The one who let you down was Mr. Keyes with those hurtful things he said to you.” She leaned forward to give him a tender kiss on the forehead.
Toby sniffled and sighed heavily as he looked up at Sunset and Rainbow with a light smile. “Thank you for that Sunset. Thank you Rainbow Dash for helping make me feel better, too.” He reached up and wiped away the last remaining tears.
Rainbow Dash smirked proudly and softly. “There’s no need to thank me, little dude. I’ll always be there for my friends.” She let out a light-hearted chuckle and reached up to rub at his head, ruffling his hair playfully.
Toby giggled at the head ruffling and Sunset joined in. She smiled warmly at the child. “Now that is the smile I want to see, little guy.” She rubbed at his cheek. “Now, what do you say the three of us go to the mall and look for some pajamas for you and me to sleep and be more comfortable in?”
Toby nodded. “That sounds good, sister Sunset.” He looked up at Rainbow Dash. “How does that sound Rainbow?” He asked with a hopeful smile.
She reached up and scratched the back of her head. “Well…I…uh…yeah, why not? I don’t mind.” She gave him a nod and a playful smirk crept across her face. “You know what, Toby? Instead of you having to walk all the way to the mall with us, I have a fun and much better idea.”
Toby looked up curiously into Rainbow’s eyes. “What is that Rainbow Dash? I’ll be okay with walking though.” He gave her a soft smile.
Rainbow chuckled, and stood up from the bench. “Well, I was thinking....how about I give you a piggyback ride, little buddy?” She rubbed at his head again playfully.
He giggled. “That sounds like fun, Rainbow Dash. But I might be too heavy for you to carry. “ He gave her a little frown.
Rainbow let out a light-hearted chuckle. “Don’t worry, little guy. I bet you aren’t that heavy. Let’s try it out.” She turned around to face her back toward Toby and crouched down “Alright, Toby. Just wrap your arms around my neck.” She gave a grin.
Toby nodded and complied as he carefully wrapped his little arms around Rainbow’s neck as she gently lifted him up from under his legs and stood up. Rainbow chuckled softly. “See there, buddy? You’re light as a feather to me. It looks like me, Sunset, and the others are going to have to put some meat on those bones.” She playfully teased as Sunset stood up next and they both started to walk, beginning their trek to the Canterlot Mall.
While making their way to the mall, as Toby rides on Rainbow Dash’s back, he gently asks, “Rainbow Dash, sister Sunset, do you think the others would still be my friends and understand when I tell them the truth about me?”
Sunset spoke up first. “Don’t worry, little brother. They will definitely understand.” She placed her hand gently on his back. “Let’s just worry about for later, Toby. Today...let’s just have a good time.” She gave him a warm smile and wink.
Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. “Yea, little guy! We’ll always be your friends.” She turned her head to give the child a wink and smirk.
Soon, they arrived at the Canterlot Mall. They walked inside as Rainbow crouched down to let Toby down. He smiled up at her as she stood back up. “Thank you Rainbow Dash for giving me a piggyback ride all the way here. It was fun, but are you sure I wasn’t too heavy?”
She smirked softly down at him and rubbed at his head. “Nah… you are easy to carry around, little buddy. In fact...it gave me quite a work out.” She let out a soft chuckle along with Sunset and Toby.
Sunset placed a hand on Toby’s shoulder and looked down at him. “Alright, Toby. What do you say we go get us some cool and comfortable pajamas?” She gave him a warm smile.
Toby looks up at her, returning the smile. “I’d like that, sister Sunset.” He turns his attention to Rainbow Dash. “Would you like to come with us, Rainbow?” He asked with a hopeful smile.
She shook her head softly. “You two go ahead. I’ll be at the arcade. To me, shopping for clothes is… how can I put it?....Boring!” She exclaimed but softened as she rubbed at his head. “Don’t worry though, little dude. I’ll catch up with you two later. Maybe after you are done, if I’m still at the arcade, you and I could play a game together. How does that sound?” She gave him a big smile.
He nodded. “That sounds like a fun idea, Rainbow Dash.” He turns to put his hand in Sunset’s. “You have fun, Rainbow, and we’ll see you in a little while.” He gives her a big smile.
Sunset nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Rainbow. We’ll catch up to you.” They wave at Rainbow as they walk off to one of the clothing stores, while Rainbow Dash walks off toward the arcade.
When they arrive at the clothing department of the mall, Sunset decided to let Toby choose his pajamas out first. She takes him over to the children’s section and feels him pull her. She lets out a giggle at this. He guides her to a clothes rack with a pair of pajamas that are in the design of his favorite superhero, Superman.
They are a combination of long wool pajama bottoms that are dark blue all over with small Superman emblems as designs. The top is a powdered blue t-shirt with a large emblem covering the front.
Sunset looks down to see a big, bright smile upon Toby’s face, and she lets out a small giggle. She gives him a warm smile. “Would you like these pajamas, little brother?” She playfully rubs at his head, ruffling his hair.
He looks up at her with a hopeful smile. “Yes, sister Sunset. Superman is my favorite superhero!” He says happily as Sunset lets out another giggle and picks them up from the rack, handing them to Toby.
He looks up at her with a light smile mixed with a frown. “Sunset, are you sure you don’t mind buying my pajamas?”
She smiles warmly down at him. “Of course I don’t mind, buddy. That is what friends and big sisters are for.” She gives him a wink as they walk over to the teenager section of the clothing store.
Sunset went through rack after rack until she came upon a pair of pajamas that caught her eye. It was a pair of black silk pajama bottoms with flames coming up from the cuffs. The flames had yellow as the center, orange as the first layer, and red as the outer layer. The top was a matching black silk top with flames reaching from the arm cuffs and also the waist.
“Now THESE are cool! What do you think Toby?” She smiles down at him brightly.
He lookes up at her and nods. “Yes they are, Sunset. They look comfortable as well. My mommy used to wear the same kind of material pants as her pajamas.” A frown slowly formes across his face as the memory of his mommy rocking him to sleep as a baby flashes in his mind.
Sunset frowns a little as she looks down at him. She rubs at his back in an attempt to comfort him. “It’s okay, little buddy. Just know that your mommy is always with you....in your heart and in your spirit.” She gives him a warm, reassuring smile as he returns a bright smile.
She grabs the pair of pajamas that she likes and leads Toby to the front desk of the store to purchase both sets of pajamas. She gives the cashier the right amount and receives her purchase in a shopping bag as the two leave the clothing store.
They walk through the mall until they come to the arcade, where Rainbow Dash is enjoying a game of whack-a-mole. They quietly walk up to her as she is getting a high score of two thousand points until she notices them. “Hey guys! You showed up just in time. I’m just about to beat my old high score of two thousand I’m going for twenty two hundred!” She exclaims with a look of determination as she continues to bash the popping mole heads.
Toby and Sunset share a chuckle as they watch Rainbow attempt to reach her goal. After a few more whacks, she surpasses her expected goal and reaches twenty three hundred and fifty points. She throws her arms up in the air, holding the mallet like it is her sacred war-hammer. “YES! I’m the Queen of Whack-A-Mole!” A beaming smile creeps across her face and the two onlookers couldn’t help but laugh.
They applaud Rainbow as Toby speaks up. “Congratulations, Rainbow Dash!” He looks up at her with a big, bright smile.
She puts the mallet back down and rubs at his head playfully. “Thanks, little dude!” She sighs heavily. “Now I’m starving. What do you two say we go to the food court and see what we can get to eat?”
Toby looks up at Sunset, who nods. “That sounds like a pretty good idea, Rainbow Dash.” Sunset says with a smile, which turns into a smirk as she looks down at the little boy. “And you know what, I believe it’s time for ME to give our little buddy a piggyback ride.” She rubs at his head. “What do you say, Toby? Would you like a piggyback ride from your sister Sunset?”
Toby smiles up softly and nods. “Okay, sister Sunset.” He speaks softly as he watches her turn her back towards him and crouch down. He carefully wraps his little arms around her neck and she lifts him up under his legs.
“Ready little brother?” She asks him. As he nods, the three walk out of the arcade to head towards the food court.
While they are walking through the mall, towards the food court, they hear “Hey guys!” spoken out in unison from behind them. They turn around to see Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy approaching them.
“Hey girls, what are you doing here?” Rainbow asks curiously, yet giving them a warm smile along with the other two.
“We just wanted to come to the mall so we could have some funny fun fun and not be totally bored!” Pinkie Pie exclaims while speaking rapidly.
“Well, we were just heading to the food court. Would you like to join us?” Sunset asks while holding the child on her back with big smiles on their faces.
“Heck, that sounds like a mighty fine idea to me.” Applejack smiles softly as she turns to the other three. “How does that sound to y'all?”
“Oh, I love that idea! I could get all the sweet yummy in the tummy treats that I want!” Pinkie beams happily. The others just chuckle at her excitement.
“Um… I won’t mind grabbing a bite to eat.” Fluttershy says softly.
Rarity smiles warmly. “I am a bit parched myself, so I’d be glad to join you all!” She smirks as she sees Toby on Sunset’s back. “And it looks like our little darling of a friend will be joining us. Am I right, Toby?” The others smile at the child.
Toby blushes and nods. “Yes, I will Rarity.” He gives them all a warm smile as he holds onto Sunset. They all join together and continue on their way to the food court.
Once they get there, a mixture of aromas waft through the air, and tempt each of the group with the many delicacies that the mall has to offer. Sunset crouches down to let Toby off and stands back up. “Well everyone, let’s go get what we want to eat and meet back at a big table.” The others nod as Sunset takes Toby’s hand in hers and they both search for a vendor to get their food at.
After gathering their food, the group meet at a table and pull up seven chairs to it so they could all sit together. Rainbow Dash had a big slice of pizza with a hamburger and a soda, Pinkie Pie had a wide assortment of sweets, from iced cupcakes to cookies, Applejack had a slice of apple pie with a glass of apple cider, Fluttershy just had a simple fresh salad and a bowl of fruit, Sunset had a T-bone steak with a baked potato, Toby reluctantly had a cheeseburger with French fries, and Rarity decided to indulge in a big ice cream sundae.
Toby was weary of eating meat for the first in over two years, but when he bit into his cheeseburger, he let out a warm sigh and a soft smile crept across his face.
Mm… I forgot how good a cheeseburger could be, but this is just for once. I don’t want to go back home and scare Momma or my family and friends by letting them know that I ate meat here.
As he was eating, Fluttershy spoke up softly. “Hey, sweetie… um… when I was going through the halls today, I saw a flyer that was asking third graders on up to go by the band room and audition for pianist of the school choir.” She gave him a warm smile. “Did you go audition Toby?…um...if it’s okay for me to ask?”
“Yea, sugarcube. I bet ya nailed it, didn’t ya?” Applejack gave him a big smile.
Toby looked at the four girls’ expectant faces, but frowned and shook his head. “No, I didn’t make the choir.” He took a small bite out of his cheeseburger.
Sunset reached over and rubbed circles around his back as she looked at the others. “For some reason, the music that Mr. Keyes gave Toby to play was wrong and it caused him to mess up.” She looked at Toby, who was taking small bites out of his food. Sunset rubbed at his head soothingly and went back to eating her steak.
“Oh darling, I am TRULY sorry.” Rarity spoke after taking a bite of her sundae.
Sunset snarled. “That so called instructor also said some awful things about him! But he knows that they aren’t true. Don’t you buddy?” She gives him a reassuring smile as Toby nods.
“What a mean meanie mean pants Mr. Keyes is for not letting such a sweet little cupcake like you join the choir!” Pinkie frowned as she was finishing up her sweets.
Rarity looks at her sundae, and then at Toby. “Hey Toby. How would you like to share my sundae with me? I’m afraid I might not be able to finish it all, but maybe with a little help, I can. What do you say darling?” She gives him a warm smirk.
Toby eyes the sundae. “It does look good, Rarity. But are you sure you won’t mind me eating it with you? I just don’t want to be rude or selfish.” He gives her a light smile.
She reaches into the pocket of her vest and pulls out an extra plastic spoon, reaching over to hand it to Toby. “Oh darling please, this sundae might be sweet and delicious, but nothing is as sweet as you, Toby.” She gives a light giggle as Toby gently takes the spoon from her, causing the child to blush at the comment.
Without warning, the two dig into the sundae as the others look on, letting out light-hearted chuckles. After finishing the sundae in mere moments, Rarity couldn’t help but let out a chuckle of her own as she saw Toby’s face covered with chocolate syrup and ice cream. Toby looked a little confused until Rarity pulled out a pocket mirror to show him his face, and he let out a laugh of his own.
“Here Toby, let me clean that sticky dessert off your face darling.” She reaches into her purse and pulls out several napkins. She reaches over and wipes away all of the ice cream from his face. “There. That’s better, dear.” She smiles warmly at the child.
“Uh… Rarity. Ah believe the little feller ain't the only one who needs a little facial cleansing.” Applejack lets out a chuckle as Rarity quirks an eyebrow.
“Whatever do you mean Apple… Ah!” She cuts herself off as she gasps when she looks at her own face in the mirror. She is also covered with ice cream and chocolate syrup. “Oh, no....." She whispers. "Of all the worst things that could happen....this…is …the…worst…possible…thing!”
“Don’t worry, Rarity. Let me wipe it off for you.” Toby says softly as he climbs off his chair, walks over to Rarity, and reaches up with a clean napkin to wipe at her face. After he finishes wiping all of the dessert of her face, he gives her a warm smile. “There you go, Rarity! All clean.” He giggles lightly.
Rarity raises the pocket mirror up, and looks into it to see her face spotless. She feels tears sting her eyes as she wraps her arms around the little boy, pulling him into a big hug. “Aw… thank you so much, darling. I don’t know what I was thinking eating like that. A lady should NEVER act in such a manner.”
Toby pats her back as he hugs her back with his little arms. “It’s okay, Rarity. Your sundae was very good, and very tempting to be dug into.” He giggles as the two gently break the hug. He walks back over to sit in his chair.
I enjoy being here in this world, but I miss home so much. Yet, I feel safe and comfortable with my new big sister Sunset and the others. I hope they will still accept me as their friend when I tell them about where I come from and how I ended up here. He thinks to himself as he looks around at the girls, sharing a good-hearted laugh.
Meanwhile walking along the sidewalk, towards their homes, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were plotting on what to do next to Toby. They snicker at one another until an evil grin creeps across Diamond Tiara’s face.
“Silver, I have the perfect idea to make that little baby’s life even more miserable! You know that Featherweight is the chief editor and photographer of the Canterlot High newspaper, right?” Silver Spoon nods. “Well, I think we could get him to take embarrassing pictures of each of the child’s friends, and then get him to write an article about each of them. And then he can write that the source of the information came from Toby Mason.” Diamond lets out a sinister laugh at her idea.
Silver Spoon joins in and smiles wickedly. “Oh…Diamond…that sounds…so devilish…but delicious!” She grins evilly.
Diamond smirks proudly. “I know, because I thought of it!” The girls chuckle meticulously as they continue their walk.
I promise you, you little snot ball, that when I’m done with you, you will be the loneliest little boy in the entire world. Diamond Tiara vows mentally.
To Be Continued…