As Toby looks up at the six girls glaring down at him, he starts to shake nervously “B-b-but Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Sister Sunset, I didn’t write any of this, I promise,” he speaks in a soft, broken tone. His lips quiver as he looks up at them shaking their heads disapprovingly and have their arms crossed. He can feel tears threaten to escape, but he tries to hold them at bay, and be a brave boy.
“You know Toby, I thought you were a real sweetie.” Fluttershy clenches her eyes shut allowing a tear to roll down each of her cheeks. She lets out a heavy sigh and open her eyes looking down at the child sternly “But after reading these hurtful lies that you wrote, I was very wrong.” Those words tear at Toby’s little heart and causes him to shake even harder. Fluttershy lifts her gaze to look at the others “Girls, I’m just going to go on to class, but I’ll see you all at lunch, okay?” They give her a light nod as she walks off.
Toby frowns deeply as he watches the human version of his Mother Fluttershy walk away in tears. He reaches up a trembling hand to try and stop her “Fluttershy… please wait, I… ow!” He let out a yelp as Rarity smacks at his hand. He recoils in fear as he brings his hands in against his stomach and rubs at the smacked hand. He looks up at Rarity looming over him with her brows furrowed with frustration.
“I would’ve never believed such a precious little darling as you Toby would write such heinous lies about me or any of us.” She sighs heavily as she glares down at the little boy “However, a lady such as I can make mistakes, and the biggest mistake was befriending a little ruffian like you.” Toby’s eyes widen with sadness at the ice cold tone Rarity speaks with.
She huffs and looks at the others “Well girls, I’ll see you all at lunch as well. I’m going to try and cheer Fluttershy up before the warning bell rings.” She then looks down at Toby with a look of disapproval “And as for you, you little liar, I’m very appalled at your actions, and I don’t want to see you at lunch.” Toby just lowers his head, looking at the floor, and just shakes nervously. Rarity turned and walks off leaving the child hurt with her harsh words.
Pinkie Pie who is reading over the article begins to shed tears of her own as she looks down at Toby “Do you really think of me like this Toby? I thought you were my friend.” Her lips quiver with sadness as she shakes some with sobs.
Toby’s frown grows even deeper as he watches Pinkie cry “B-but Pinkie, I am your friend. I-I promise, I never wrote any of these lies. Please Pinkie, you’ve got to believe me, I’d never want to hurt you or any of your feelings.” He looks up at the remaining girls with a frown, yet pleading face.
Pinkie looks down at the child and shakes her head “And I thought you were a real sweet little cutie Toby, but now I see the truth. You’re nothing but a mean meanie pants that enjoys telling lies about others and hurting others’ feelings.” She sighs heavily and looks at the others “I’ll see you later girls, I can’t handle these lies anymore.” She turns and walks off.
Toby can feel his little heart shatter as each girl scolds him and walks off. He feels himself on the verge of letting his tears fall, but he tries to stay strong. He sniffles heavily as he looks up at Applejack with her eyes closed, head lowered, and shaking it with disappointment.
She opens her eyes with her brows furrowed with anger “Ya know what sugarcube, Ah am very proud of the hard work my family and I put into our apple farm. Now Ah don’t know what kind of attention you’re trying to get from writing this hogwash, but Ah can tell ya that we Apples make all of our apple products fresh and homemade on our own land.” She takes in a deep breath and exhales deeply to calm herself down “All the apple cider that we supply for the school events is freshly made from Sweet Apple Acres and nowhere else. So ya little rotten varmint, before ya go writing an article for the newspaper, get your facts straight.” Her tone is much colder than Rarity’s.
Toby looks up at her shaking nervously at the anger in her voice “B-but Applejack I…”
“No buts sugarcube! Ah can tell a good apple from a rotten one and ya Toby are as rotten of an apple core as Ah ever saw one.” She places her hands on her hips and leans her head down until she is eye level with him “And here Ah was thinking ya were a good little boy, but Ah guess Ah can be wrong sometimes.” She sighs heavily “Ah don’t want anything to do with a no good dirty little liar like ya anymore.” Toby shutters at the harsh words, turning his head to the side.
Applejack leans back up as she looks at the others “Ah’ll see yall at lunch. Ah got to try and calm myself down before today’s test today in Algebra.” She tips her hat to Rainbow Dash and Sunset shimmer, and walks off.
Toby forms two small fists with his hands to try and continue to hold back his tears as he continues to shake with sadness. He clenches his eyes shut to subdue his tears, but as soon as he opens them back up he can see a shadow looming over him. He looks up to see Rainbow Dash with a scowl on her face and her arms crossed.
She reaches up to rub between her eyes. “You know Toby, what you wrote about me, about all of us was very uncool. I’ve had a great reputation here at Canterlot; voted top athlete in every sport since my freshman year, won countless championships with my soccer team, and now it is probably all ruined thanks to your little juicy gossip.” She shakes her head and sighs heavily. “Now I’ve got to go around school all day and tell every student that these are nothing but lies.” She let out an agitated grunt. “Doh… how could you write this garbage Toby?! I thought you were an awesome little dude, but I guess I was wrong! I know you've been through some REALLY hard times in your life, and I'm sorry for that, but THIS? This is NO WAY to react.....I bet your dad acted like this when HE was in High School....like a JERK.” Her words tear deeper into the already beaten and battered heart of the child as he looks up at her. She looks toward Sunset. “I’ll see you later, Sunset, I got to go and get all this straightened out before class starts.” She turns and stomps off.
Toby looks up at the last remaining girl, his big sister with tear-stained eyes “S-Sister Sunset, you believe that I didn’t write any of these lies, don’t you?” He asks with a whimper and gently holds one of her hands in both of hi little ones.
Sunset takes her paper and crumples it up with the free hand, tossing it away in a trash can outside the gym. She look down at the pleading, sad face of the little boy, and sighs softly. She crouches down to his eye level and places a hand gently on his shoulder, looking deeply into his eyes “Of course little buddy I believe that you didn’t write any of this chicken scratch.” She gives him a warm, reassuring smile, but sees that he is on the verge of tears as she pulls him in for a hug. She reaches up with a hand and strokes from the top of his head down the back of it. “Shh… it’s okay little buddy, I promise I’ll get to the bottom of this.” She moves her hand down to rub at his back soothingly.
He sniffles and wraps his arms around her neck “T-thank you Sister Sunset for believing in me.” A little smile creeps across his face knowing that Sunset believes him and trusts that she’ll get the others to believe him too.
They carefully break the embrace and Sunset gives Toby a gentle kiss on the forehead “No need to thank me little brother.” She gives him a warm smile and reached up to rub at his cheek “Now you try to remain the brave little boy I know you can be Toby and I’ll see you at lunch, okay?” She reaches her hand down to rub up and down his arm soothingly.
He sniffles one more time before nodding “Okay Sister Sunset. I promise I’ll be brave today.” He gives her a soft smile as she stands up. He looks up with a pleading look “Please just tell the girls that I’m so sorry for whoever wrote these lies about them, and that I don’t want to lose them as my friends.”
She pats his shoulder “Don’t worry little buddy, I’ll tell them the truth, once I find out who’s really behind this.” She gives him soft smile “Now you go on ahead to class and I’ll come to pick you up when lunch arrives.”
He looks up at her and nods softly “Okay Sister Sunset, I’ll see you after class.” He gives a light smile and turns to walk away, waving at her. She returns the wave as she walks in the opposite direction to her class.
On the side of the building within the shadows, stands Featherweight with a solemn expression on his face. He lowers his head oh, what have I done? I’ve gone and helped Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon ruin the little guy’s friendship with those girls. He lets out a heavy sigh as he forms a fist with one hand and pounds it against the other hand I’ve got to fix this and I think I know how. He nods firmly and walks off.
Meanwhile…
The Crystal Palace….
As morning arrives, Rarity is awakened by the warm rays of Celestia’s sun glistening through the window cascading over her like a blanket of warmth. She lets out a soft yawn and a warm smile creeps across her muzzle. She stretches out both her hind legs and forelegs as she reaches up to remove her sleeping mask.
Mm… what a beautiful morning it is. Ah… the warm light of Princess Celestia’s sun washing over me feels ever so divine. She carefully climbs out of the bed and trots over to the window to look out over the Crystal Empire. Her smile grows as she watches some crystal ponies out early trotting along the streets, but she frowns on the inside.
It’s always lovely to visit the Crystal Empire, but in this case, it feels awful with my darling of a little nephew being gone. I sure do hope that he’s doing okay, and those other versions of us are being good to him. She lets out a soft sigh as she takes in a deep breath of the fresh morning, and exhales deeply before turning to trot to the mirror.
As she approaches the mirror in her room, she speaks aloud “Well Rarity old girl, let’s see what we can with that mane of… AAH!” She screams as she looks takes a glance at her reflection. Instead of seeing her usual pearl white coat with royal purple mane, she sees the complete opposite. Now her coat is a the same royal purple as her mane, her mane is pearl white, and her cutie mark is still three light blue diamonds.
Suddenly the door to her room swings open and Applejack enters “Rarity, what in the hay is going on in…” She cuts herself off as her jaw drops open as she looks at the mismatched unicorn mare. “What in tarnation happened to you Rarity? Why are you purple?” She couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.
Rarity lets out an annoyed grunt “Applejack! This isn’t funny!” She furrows her brows with disappointment at the country pony. “I don’t know how I ended up like this. I just went to bed last night like I always do, slept peacefully, and I just woke up like this.” She collapses onto the floor, burying her face into her forelegs, and starts to shake with sobs.
Feeling bad for her friend, Applejack trots over to her, and places a gentle hoof on her shoulder, rubbing at her soothingly. Rarity lifts her head up to look at Applejack with tear-stained eyes. Applejack gives her a soft smile “Listen sugarcube, ya might look a little bit different, but Ah promise we’ll find out what is going on here. So buck up and strut your stuff like the Rarity Ah know would do.” She gives her a firm nod.
Rarity smirks proudly and carefully stands up, whipping her mane behind her head “You’re right Applejack darling. It doesn’t matter about my appearance, I’m still Rarity Belle, I’m still the Element of Generosity, and no color change is going to stop that!” She speaks loud and proud. “Now let’s go see the princesses, shall we?” She smiled confidently at Applejack.
Applejack chuckles at the fashionista’s quick change in attitude “Now that’s the spirit Rarity.” She steps aside and stretched out a foreleg “Ladies first.” She gives her a warm smile as Rarity nods, and trots ahead. Applejack follows as the two mares head toward the throne room.
Canterlot High School…
Room E207….
Toby sits at his desk working on a class assignment of multiplication and long division that Mr. Discord instructed the whole class to do. Although he focuses his attention on his classwork, he still can’t get the morning’s events out of his mind. He sighs heavily as he concentrates on the math problems.
I hope Sister Sunset will be able to show the girls that I didn’t write those hurtful things. I don’t want to lose them as my friends. He frowns some as he continues to work on his math problems.
As he is working on his assignment, a hand nudges his shoulder “Hey dweeb, turn around.” He swallows nervously and slowly turns his head to look at Matilda behind him with a smirk on her face. She gave a light chuckle “I never knew you had it in you kid to be so harsh, but I guess I was wrong.” She pats his should roughly.
Toby quirks his eyebrow at her “What do you mean Matilda?” He asks quietly.
She looks at him and her smirk grows “The newspaper this morning. I read that article you wrote and totally bashed those upper class girls, and to be blunt, they deserved it. You did a great job runt.” She let out another lowly chuckle.
Toby shakes his head “But I didn’t write them Matilda. Someone else did, I would never hurt my friends like that.” He speaks a little louder, but not loud enough for Mr. Discord to hear. “So please Matilda, could you leave me alone for today?” He gives her a pleading look.
She just continues to smirk “Ah… come on dweeb, what do you mean you didn’t write any of this? The article has your name at the bottom of it, so just admit that you wrote…” She was cut off as Toby smacks his desk with his hand frustratingly.
“I SAID I DIDN’T WRITE ANY OF THIS MATILDA, SO LEAVE ME ALONE!” He yells, catching the attention of the entire class and Mr. Discord. He gasps as soon as he realizes that he yelled at her and a frown immediately forms on his face “M-Matilda… I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
“Mr. Mason, is everything alright my lad?” The voice of Mr. Discord cuts Toby off.
Toby slowly turns to look at his instructor and sighs heavily “Y-yes Sir, I’m okay. I’m sorry for yelling like that, I didn’t mean to.” He speaks softly.
Mr. Discord nods “Well, there is no need to apologize my boy, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to see you after class, okay?” Toby gives him a light nod as he turns back to write on the blackboard.
Matilda chuckles behind Toby “Haha… it’s about time you got some well-deserved punishment dweeb.” She punches at his shoulder causing him to wince and grab at it in pain.
He sighs heavily and goes back to work on his assignment.
The Crystal Palace…
Princess Celestia stands before the throne in the throne room as the other three princesses, along with Prince Shining Armor, the Elements of Harmony, Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, and Filthy Rich are all present. All of the guests are speaking among themselves as Rainbow Dash rolls on the floor laughing after seeing Rarity’s new appearance. Rarity just huffs and flicks her mane toward the cyan mare.
Fluttershy decides to trot outside of the throne room to the balcony and looks out over the kingdom. She sighs heavily as she lifts her head up to gaze at Celestia’s sun. Oh my precious little baby boy, I hope you’re safe and that the creatures in the world you’re at are treating you right. Just stay strong and brave Toby, Momma loves you. Her thoughts are cut off as she feels a hoof on her shoulder and she turns her head to look at Twilight.
“Um… hi Twilight, what are you doing out here… um… if that’s okay for me to ask?” She speaks in her usual timid voice.
Twilight gives her a warm smile “I just wanted to come out and check on you Fluttershy. Are you okay?” She rubbed at Fluttershy’s shoulder softly.
Fluttershy sighed softly and nodded lightly “Yes, I’m okay. I’m just worried about my baby boy, that’s all.” She blinks her eyes to allow a couple of tears to fall to the balcony floor “It’s so lonely without him here Twilight. I know I have you and the girls with me, but I miss my precious little one.” She gives the lavender alicorn a sad smile.
Twilight can sense the pain in Fluttershy’s voice and lays a wing comfortably over her “I understand Flutteshy, we all miss our dear little nephew. However, I promise that the world he’s in now, the girls there are taking real good care of him.” She gives the timid Pegasus a warm reassuring smile.
Fluttershy sniffles and looks at Twilight sternly in the eyes “Are you sure Twilight? I mean me or the others don’t know how the other versions of us are, and what if they hurt Toby?” She sighs heavily but feels Twilight rubbing her wing along her back soothingly.
“No Fluttershy, I know they won’t hurt Toby. They are exactly like us, only human version, but they are definitely reflections of ourselves. I bet even the Pinkie Pie of the other world threw him a party to welcome him.” She lets out a small chuckle earning a light giggle from Fluttershy. Twilight smiles “Do you feel better now?”
Fluttershy nods “Yes I do Twilight, thank you.” She gives her a warm smile “Let’s go inside and see what Princess Celestia and Princess Luna can tell us what’s going on.” Twilight nods in agreement as the two turn to trot back into the throne room.
“Calm yourselves my little ponies, my sister and I will tell you all why these strange occurrences has been happening in Equestria.” Celestia gently holds up a fore hoof to quiet the commotion between the guests. They all settle down and Celestia smiles warmly “Now, that’s better. As you all know, ever since our dear child went through the portal to the other world, there have been odd happenings going on in his absence.” The guests all nods in unison.
Luna steps forward “Yes my dear friends, I believe when our dear nephew stepped through the portal, it upset the fabric of all magic in Equestria. As result, the strange actions that you all have been through will remain until the child returns.” Every pony in the room gasps and sighs heavily.
Rarity bites her lower lip “Oh dear, that means I’m going to have to stay in the castle until my darling little nephew returns.” She sighs heavily “I can’t possibly go outside in front of all the crystal ponies like this, it would absolutely ruin me.” Once again, she collapses onto the ground, burying her face in her forelegs, and start sobbing.
Applejack simply rolls her eyes and places a hoof gently on her back “Oh for land sakes Rarity! Ah already told ya, there is no shame in looking the way you’re looking so quit whining like a little filly and act like a grown mare!” She shakes her head bemusedly.
Rarity sniffles and looks up at the aggravated country pony “Alright, fine Applejack darling. You don’t have to shout.” She sighs heavily and stands back up flicking her mane.
Applejack’s eyes widen “Ah was not… oh never mind.” She lowers her head and shakes her head.
Rainbow Dash reaches a hoof up to rub along her licorice like mane “As I had some time with this new mane do of mine, I’m kind of enjoying it to be honest. I bet I’m the only Pegasus of all pegasi that has this style of mane. To me that is… totally… awesome!” She beams excitedly earning a chuckle from her friends.
Suddenly the doors to the throne room opens as two royal guards enter “Your highnesses, we have some guests who would like meet with you.” They bow their head to the royals.
“You may let them in guards, thank you.” Prince Shining Armor nods toward them.
They return the nod and turn around “You four may enter.” They step aside as Kevin, Nikolai, Riley, and Daring Do enter into the throne room.
Princess Celestia gives a warm smile as she watches the four new guests enter “Oh, hello Nikolai, Riley, and Kevin?!” She quirks an eyebrow as she looks at them.
Kevin nods as he bows his head followed by Nikolai in Riley’s body and Daring Do “Yes your highness, it’s us. As you can see, I’m a complete pony, and Riley and Nikolai… well, I think I should let them explain.” He looks at Nikolai.
Nikolai pads up some “It’s good to see you again Princess Celestia, I just wish it was under better circumstances.” He sits down on his haunches and sighs heavily “Anyways, we were camping in Winsome Falls when I woke up to discover that I was somehow transferred into Riley’s body and he into mine.” He looks up at Riley who has his tongue out panting and simply rolls his eyes.
“Oh… my… that is quite the predicament.” Fluttershy speaks softly as she looks at the three.
“So we decided to come and visit you Princess Celestia and the others to see what is going on. We took the Friendship Express and as we got near to the Crystal Empire, we encountered her.” Kevin speaks up and points a hoof at Daring Do.
She bows her head to the princesses “Hello princesses I am…” She is cut off as Rainbow Dash flies up into her face.
“ohmygoshohmygoshohygosh! You’re… you’re… DARING DO!” She beams brightly and flaps her wings excitedly. “Miss Do, I’m a hug fan of yours! I have all of your books and I read them three to five times a day!” She reached out both of her fore hooves and grasps one of Daring’s hooves, and shakes it happily.
An awkward forms across Daring’s muzzle “Well, it’s always nice to meet one of my adoring fans. May I ask what your name is?” She gently pulls her hoof out of Rainbow’s hooves and shakes it to get feeling back into it.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry Miss Do. My name is Rainbow Dash and I’m the most awesome, coolest, and best flyer in all of Equestria!” She shoots up in the air and poses with her forelegs and wings spread out. She looks down at Daring and gives her a confident nod.
Daring lets out a light chuckle and nods at the cyan mare “Well Rainbow Dash, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Excuse me Daring Do, we are honored that you are here, but how did you end up here in the Crystal Empire?” Celestia asks as the other nod in agreement.
Luna steps forward and places a hoof gently on her sister’s shoulder “Dear Tia, I think we should allow our new guests to enjoy breakfast with us, and then we can allow Daring Do to tell us about her predicament.” She gives Celestia a warm smile.
Celestia lets out a little giggle “Oh, you’re exactly right Luna.” She turns to every pony “My apologies my little ponies. How about we all have a big wonderful breakfast?” They all nod in agreement as Celestia smiles warmly and her, along with the other royals leads the way to the Crystal Palace’s dining hall.
Canterlot High School…
Room E2097 after class…
Mr. Discord bids his students adieu as they leave class to go to lunch. He turns to see Toby sitting at his desk with his head lowered looking at his hands folded in his lap. He sighs softly and carefully approaches the little boy “Mr. Mason, is there something you would like to discuss with good ol’ Mr. Discord?” He smiles warmly as he takes a sit on the desk in front of Toby.
Toby sighs heavily “W-well Mr. Discord Sir, I think my friends don’t like me anymore.” He speaks sadly as he looks up at his teacher.
Mr. Discord frowns a bit and reaches behind him, pulling out a rolled up newspaper from his back pocket. He unrolls it, revealing the page with the article about the girls. He lets out a soft sigh “Is it about this my young lad?” He carefully places the paper on Toby’s desk.
Toby looks down at it and nods sadly “Yes it is Mr. Discord, but I never wrote any of this. I’d never write anything that hurts my friends’ feelings, but they don’t believe me except for Sunset. “ He speaks with a little whimper.
Mr. Discord frowns a little more at seeing the child’s sorrow and places a hand on his shoulder “Well my boy, I believe you didn’t write any of this fiddle faddle either.” He looks down at Toby and gives him a reassuring smile.
A little smile forms across his as he looks up at Mr. Discord hopefully “You do Sir?”
Mr. Discord nods “Yes I do my good Sir. However, I believe for you to feel better, you need to talk with your friends. I know it might be hard, because they are probably mad at, but if they are truly your friends my lad, then they will forgive you” He stands up from the desk.
Toby stands up from his desk, gathers his book bag, and looks up at Mr. Discord “Do you really think so Sir? Do you really think they’ll forgive me if I talk to them?”
Mr. Discord nods “Of course my lad. I believe they will, because the bond of friendship is unbreakable.” He gives the boy a warm smile “Now you go along now and get something good for lunch my lad, and I’ll see you later, okay?”
Toby nods up at his teacher “Thank you Mr. Discord Sir. Bye for now.” He smiles up at him and waves as he walks out of the classroom.
Mr. Discord smiles softly and sighs what a wonderful little boy he is. I hope his friends do forgive him, he sure does deserve it.
As Toby exits the classroom Sunset is right outside “Hey little brother, are you ready for lunch?” She smiles down at him and ruffles at his hair playfully.
Toby lets out a little giggle “Hehe… yes I am Sister Sunset, but do you think the others will want me to see me?” A little frown replaces his smile.
Sunset crouches down and holds him gently by the shoulders “Listen to me Toby, don’t you be afraid of them being mad at you, because I’ll prove to them somehow that you didn’t write any of those hurtful stories. Do you understand me little brother?” She rubs down his shoulders and arms soothingly.
A light smile replaces his frown “Okay Sister Sunset, I believe you and thank you.”
She lets out a chuckle “No problem little buddy. Now let’s go get something good to eat.” She stands back up and takes one of his small hands in hers and both head toward to the cafeteria.
Cafeteria…
Sunset pays for both of hers and Toby’s lunches. She gets a slice of pepperoni pizza with a small salad bowl and a slice of chocolate cake. Toby gets a cheeseburger, French fries, and a small bowl of fruit. He smiles up at her softly as he walks beside her and she returns the smile as they approach the table where the other girls are sitting.
“Hey girls, what’s up?” Sunset greets them as they greet her back, but give Toby a mean glare.
“What’s he doing here?” Rainbow Dash asked sternly pointing at the child, causing Toby shake a little nervously.
“Yea, we thought the little ruffian would have learned his lesson after we gave him a piece of our mind.” Rarity flicked her hair and eyed Toby.
“Girls, listen Toby didn’t…” Sunset is cut off as she feels a little hand to her arm. She looks down to see Toby with a sad smile.
“I-it’s okay Sister Sunset, I’ll just go eat with Noi. I see she is sitting by herself, so I’ll go and keep her some company.” He speaks sadly as he looks at the others “Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie, I’m just sorry that those stories were written about you, but I promise I didn’t write them. Please believe me.” His lips quiver as Sunset carefully sits down at the table “If you don’t want to be my friends anymore, I’ll understand. I just want to thank you though for being my friends here, and being nice to me.” He gives them all a sad smile and turns to walk off toward the table Noi is sitting at.
Sunset frowns as she watches Toby walk off and turns back toward the girls “You know what you guys, I really don’t think Toby wrote that article.” They just looked at each other curiously sighing at one another. Sunset rolled her eyes “C’mon girls, do you really think such a sweet little child as Toby would write those cruel things?”
“Well Sunset… um his name was at the bottom of the article.” Fluttershy speaks up timidly but takes a look over at Toby sitting with Noi and notices the little boy eating at his food with very small bites “But he is indeed a little sweetie that it’s possibly not in him at all to write such awful lies.” She sighs softly as she frowns at the small child.
The others turn to look at him as Rainbow speaks up next “If the little guy didn’t write those stupid rumors?” She throws her arms and hands up in a questioning manner.
“It was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” The girls jump a bit at the voice as Featherweight slowly approached them. He swallowed nervously and held up a hand awkwardly “Hi there girls, you don’t know me, but my name is Featherweight, and it was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who wrote the article and framed Toby by putting his name at the bottom of it.” He sighs heavily feeling the guilt of helping Diamond Tiara lift off his shoulders.
The girls gasp at what Featherweight just said. Rarity placed a hand to her chest as she looked over at the small child “You mean the little darling was telling us the truth?” Featherweight nodded as the girls wore solemn looks on their faces. Rarity looked at Featherweight curiously “And if a lady may ask Mr. Featherweight, how do you know that those two poor excuses for girls did this?”
Featherweight swallowed nervously again “W-well, you see, I’ve been working as a spy and perpetrator for them.” He lowers his head in shame “Diamond Tiara is so beautiful and seductive that I fell under her spell, and I hurt a little boy’s feelings in doing so.” He sighs heavily “But I felt guilty for helping Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon that I wanted to confess to you girls that they were behind the news article.”
Applejack nods but crosses her arms in disappointment “Well we appreciate your honesty there Featherweight, but Ah want to know, and Ah am sure yall would like to know why Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon would want to break the little feller’s heart like that?” The others nodded in agreement
“Yeah, those mean meanie pants doing that to the little sweet cupcake makes me mad.” Pinkie Pie spoke with her lips pursed with anger and her brows furrowed with disappointment.
“Well, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were afraid that Toby was going to take their spot at the top of the school social ladder and wanted to make him pay.” Featherweight sighed heavily.
“WHAT?” The girls gasp in unison.
“Why would they be intimidated by being upstaged or outdone by a precious little darling like Toby? He is only in the third grade and those miscreants are like in the sixth grade.” Rarity huffs and crosses her arms.
Sunset rubs between her eyes, and then looks at Featherweight curiously “Featherweight, has Diamond Tiara and Silver done anything else to our little buddy?” She looks at him but turns her glance at the little boy eating at his lunch still with very small bites.
Featherweight nods lightly “Yes they did. They learned about the audition for pianist for the school band, and they decided to sabotage Toby’s audition.” The girls gasp once again, but allowed him to continue. “When they found out about Toby wanting to audition, Diamond manipulated me into recording the piece of music that Mr. Keyes wanted the students auditioning to play. Then she wanted me to replace that piece of music with a different sheet with all the wrong keys written so that Toby would play them instead…
“And after Toby was denied the pianist spot, Diamond Tiara hid the recorder under the piano. When Silver Spoon’s turn for her to audition came, she just placed her fingers on the keys, and Diamond Tiara just pressed play on the recorder, making it believable that Silver Spoon was actually playing the given piece of music.” Featherweight sighed heavily.
Meanwhile across the cafeteria Toby finishes up his lunch by eating the final piece of fruit. Noi smiles sadly over at him and reaches over with a hand to place softly on top of his “Hey sweetheart, it’s going to be okay. I’m sure your friends will realize that you didn’t write that article. Just give it time, okay?” She gives him a warm, reassuring smile.
Toby gives her a light smile “I will Noi. Thank you for being my friend too.” She gives him a light nod and Toby feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns his head and looks up to see Principal Celestia standing over him.
“Hello Toby. Could I maybe see you in my office please?” She asks with a soft yet stern voice.
Toby swallows nervously and nods “Y-yes Ma’am.” He turns to look at Noi with the same light smile “Bye Noi, I’ll see you back in class.” He speaks softly and Noi nods. He carefully gets up from the table, goes to throw his trash in the garbage, and turns to follow Principle Celestia to her office.
Sunset watches as her little friend walks up with the principle. She turns to the girls “Girls, I got to go.” They all nod toward her and she turns to Featherweight “Featherweight, I need you to come with me.” Featherweight nods as Sunset gets up from the table and the two power walk to exit the cafeteria.
Principal Celestia’s Office…
Toby sat nervously in the leather office chair before Celestia’s desk with his hands folded in his lap. He looked at her with his little lips quivering as she spoke with a calm voice “Toby, there is nothing to be afraid of, I promise.” She crosses her arms and places them flat on her desk as she looks at him “I just want to ask you a question, okay?”
He nods and swallows deeply “Y-yes Ma’am. “ He tries to calm himself down by inhaling and exhaling deeply.
Celestia reaches over to a drawer of her desk and pulls out a copy of the Canterlot High newspaper, placing it on her desk with the infamous article facing him. She notices him lower his head “Toby, all I want to know is why you wrote these hurtful rumors about these girls?” She asks more sternly.
Toby shook timidly, but looked up at her “M-Ms. Celestia, I promise I didn’t write this article. I-I’d never do anything to hurt my friends or anyone. P-please Ms. Celestia, I swear I didn’t do this.” He spoke with a whimper as he felt tears start to sting his eyes once again.
Celestia “Dear, are you sure that…” She is cut off as her office door swings open to reveal Sunset and Featherweight. She stands up from her desk as Toby looks up at both sniffling. “Ms. Shimmer, what is the meaning of you barging into my office like this?” She asks with an authoritive tone.
“Principal Celestia, I apologize for rushing in like this, but I have proof that Toby didn’t write this article!” She exclaims as this brings a hopeful smile across Toby’s face.
“You do?” Both he and Principle Celestia asks in unison.
Sunset nods and motions toward Featherweight “Featherweight here has been manipulated and seduced by the two stuck up princesses Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in making Toby’s life here miserable.” Her brows furrow with frustration.
Celestia looks back and forth to Sunset and Featherweight until she stops her gaze on him “Is this true Mr. Featherweight?” She crosses her arms.
Featherweight nods “Yes Ma’am. If it’s okay with you Principal Celestia, I’d like to tell you what Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon has been up to since Toby arrived.” He then turns his attention to Toby and crouches down next to the chair to his eye level “Toby, I want to sincerely apologize to you for all that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon has done to you. If I’d have been stronger and stood up to them, maybe things wouldn’t have got this far. Can you ever forgive me Toby?” He looks at the little boy hopefully.
Toby smiles softly and nods “It’s okay Featherweight, it’s not your fault. I forgive you, and thank you for coming to tell the truth.” He reaches over and pats at Featherweight’s shoulder.
Sunset smiled at the sight as well did Principal Celestia. She speaks softly “Mr. Mason and Ms. Shimmer, you two may go back to class while Mr. Featherweight and I talk.” She gives the little boy and Sunset a warm smile.
“Yes Ma’am. C’mon little buddy, let’s get you back to class.” Sunset smiles and takes Toby’s hand. She turns to Featherweight and gives him a warm smile “Thank you Featherweight for doing this for Toby. You are doing the right thing in standing up to those two no good excuse for ladies as Rarity would put it.”
Featherweight nodded “No problem Sunset. It’s about time that those answer for their actions.” He gives the two a soft smile before they exited Principal Celestia’s office.
Sunset leads Toby to Room E207 and looks down at him “I’ll be back with the girls to pick you up after school little brother, and we’ll go get something good to eat. How does that sound?” She smiled down at him, ruffling at his hair playfully.
He looks up at her with a smile “That sounds good Sister Sunset.” They arrive at Mr. Discord’s class door and Toby walks in, waving at Sunset “I’ll see you after school Sister Sunset.” Sunset nodded and waved back before walking off to her class.
After school…
“Oh, I hope the little darling is okay. I mean we were pretty harsh with him this morning, and I feel absolutely awful for scolding him like I did.” Rarity frowns as her and the others head to pick Toby up.
“Ah know what ya mean Rarity. Ah feel like a rotten apple myself for talking down to the little feller like Ah did. Ah shouldn’t have believed that such a sweet little guy like him would write such low down dirty gossip.” Applejack sighed heavily.
“The sweet little cupcake, I’m going to throw him a ‘Super Duper we’re Sorry Party’ to let him know that we are truly sorry.” Pinkie Pie beamed confidently.
“Um… I just hope that he can forgive us for being cold toward him. I feel terrible for breaking the little sweetie’s heart.” Fluttershy frowned at the harsh words she spoke to the little boy.
“I just wish I could get my hands on those little brats that did this to the little dude.” Rainbow seethed as she pounded a fist “They deserve a good beat down.” She lets out a small chuckle.
Sunset looks at her friends, nodding in agreement “Don’t worry girls, I’m sure as kind-hearted Toby he is, he’ll forgive you.” She gives them a warm, reassuring smile.
They arrive at Room E207 and walk inside, but they don’t see Toby. Looks of shock crosses across their face as Sunset walks up to Mr. Discord “Sir, have you seen Toby anywhere?” She asks concerned.
Mr. Discord who was putting his assignments for next week up in a folder looked up from his desk “Oh hello Ms. Sunset and girls. Hmm… I’m sorry, but Mr. Mason already left. He said he wanted to be alone for a little bit.” He sighs softly.
Sunset nods “Thank you Sir.” Her and the girls leaves the room with deeply worried expressions “Where could he be?” They all shrugged their shoulders altogether.
“I think I know where the little guy could be. Follow me girls.” Rainbow Dash spoke up and led the way through the halls to leave the school.
Soon they arrive outside of the school and they spot the small child laid, curled up on a bench. They all sigh in relief as they walk up to the bench. They look on to see his form rise and fall as they can tell that he is asleep, but a soft whimpering sound can be heard.
Rarity lightly gasps “Aw… the poor darling must have cried himself to sleep.” She bends down to stroke at his side with a hand and feels him shaking lightly. “Oh gosh girls, he’s shivering.
Sunset immediately takes her leather jacket off, approaches the child, and wraps him up in it. She lifts him very carefully so not to wake him and cradles him to her “Oh you poor sweet child.” She whispers as she leans down to kiss him softly on the forehead.
The girls carefully circle around him, watching him sleeping in Sunset’s arms. Fluttershy feels tears sting her eyes and gently speaks up “Um… Sunset… um… if it’s okay with you, could I maybe take Toby home with me for tonight? I feel so bad for hurting his feelings, and breaking his little heart that I want to make it up to him.” She gives a light smile as she reaches to stroke at Toby’s hair soothingly.
Sunset smiles softly at Fluttershy “I think that will be a good idea Fluttershy.” She carefully moves the little boy over to Fluttershy’s arms.
Fluttershy gently takes Toby into her arms and cradles him to her, resting his head on her shoulder. “Oh… my… he is light like you said Rainbow.” She smiles softly as Rainbow returns the soft smile.
Sunset smiled warmly at her “He’ll stay at your house tonight Fluttershy, and since it’s the weekend, we can all meet at the park. How does that sound girls?” They all nod in agreement. “Just let him know Fluttershy that we all love him and we’ll always be there for him.”
“Oh, of course Sunset.” She smiles softly as she holds the small child to her “Bye girls. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She nods toward them as they wave at her. She turns around and carefully walks to her home so not to wake Toby.
After walking a couple blocks from the school, Fluttershy arrives at her house. It is a small one bedroom, one bathroom house where her and her pets live in. She walks up the wooden porch, reaches into the pocket of her vest very carefully, pulls out a key, and unlocks the door. She looks down at Toby, watching his form rise and fall, but sleeping peacefully.
She walks over to a soft, thick cushioned sofa and gently lays him down on it. She quietly kneels down beside it placing a hand on the sleeping child’s side. She leans her head close to whisper in his ear “Shh… no more tears for your gentle soul Toby. I promise you’ll safe with us, and we all love you.” She gives him a tender kiss on his forehead.
She stands back up, reaches over for a blanket on the sofa, and pulls it over the little boy, tucking it around him. She smiles down at him he is indeed a very sweet and special little boy. I’ll fix him something to eat when he wakes up. She sighs softly as she reaches down and pats at his head gently before going into the kitchen to fix her something to eat.
As he sleeps peacefully, Toby thinks to himself Momma, I miss you, my aunties, my big sisters, and my friends. I hope I’ll get home soon.
As Fluttershy begins to chop up some tomatoes for her salad, she can't help but attack the lingering thought in her mind. "W-....why am I watching Toby? Shouldn't his PARENTS?"
To Be Continued....