Making their way toward the orphanage, Sunset Shimmer and the girls walked along the city streets. Pinkie Pie, being her usually bouncy self, skipped along the pavement as the others shook their heads lightly at her giddiness and let out a light-hearted laugh. Although they were enjoying a good laugh with each other, they were all focused on getting Toby back into their caring arms.
“Alright girls, we all know the plan?” Sunset asked as she turned to the others who gave her a firm nod “Good, now me and Fluttershy will take the part of his mother and aunt while you all…” She was cut off as Pinkie randomly placed mustaches on hers, Rainbow Dash’s, Applejack’s, and Rarity’s faces.
“We all will be his four fabulous uncles!” She beamed with excitement as she skipped around the group as they walked.
The other three etched their lips in confusion and threw the mustaches on the ground. They looked at the giddy girl with annoyance “PINKIE!” They shouted in unison.
“Uh… sugarcube, Ah don’t think Counselor Spitfire and other caretakers at the orphanage would be convinced that we are the little feller’s uncles. Ah mean look at us Pinkie, we are girls!” Applejack threw her arms up.
Rarity cleared her throat and leaned down to pick her mustache off the sidewalk. She reached out her hand toward Pinkie “She’s correct darling, I mean we would look hideous with these fuzzy abominations to fashion!” She held the mustache between her thumb and forefinger.
Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement “Yea Pinkie, although I may play along with your fun ideas, but this one isn’t so cool. I mean I’m a girl and if I dress like a dude, then I will be such a weirdo.” She sighed heavily.
Pinkie grabbed each of the discarded mustaches and stuck her tongue out at her friends “Ah… you are nothing but a bunch of party poopers!” She shook her head and then turned to continue to skip along the sidewalk. The others just shook their heads and let out another hearty laugh.
Sunset shook her head to stay focus on the mission at hand “Alright girls, let’s focus now. We got to get there before this Counselor Spitfire decides to put him up for adoption.” The others nodded in agreement as the group picked up their walk into a brisk walk.
As they were power walking, a navy blue van pulled up to the curb of the sidewalk “Would you like a ride girls?” The girls turned to see Vice Principal Luna with a window down.
“Principal Luna?!” the girls ask in unison.
Sunset could see Principal Celestia in the driver’s seat “Principal Celestia, what are you two doing here?” She asked curiously.
She motioned her head to the back and the girls leaned over to see Featherweight in the back seat. She turned back to the girls “We’ll explain on the way to the orphanage. We got to get your little friend out of there so he can come back to you all.” The girls nodded and one by one climbed into the van.
After closing the door Celestia drove off, heading toward the orphanage. Rarity was sitting next to Featherweight and asked him curiously “Featherweight darling, if a lady maybe so kind to ask, why are you with the principals?” She gave him a warm smile so he won’t feel nervous.
Featherweight swallowed deeply as a red blush formed on his cheeks “W-well… I … I…” He was gently
cut off as Luna placed a hand on his.
“No worries girls, I shall explain.” She gave him a light nod and a warm smile. She turned to the girls as she started to explain why Featherweight accompanied them.
Back at the orphanage, Spitfire watched as Noi and Toby appeared to be shocked to see each other. She gave a warm smile “Oh, you two already know each other?” She asked curiously as she looked down at Toby and then at Noi.
Noi nodded “Yes Ma’am, we do. He goes to the same school as me, in the same class, and we are friends.” She walked up to Toby, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle hug.
Spitfire smiled warmly at the two and patted Toby on the back “I will just leave you two alone so you can get used to your room Mr. Mason.” She gave them a nod and exited the room.
After she left, Noi released her hug on Toby as she walked him over to sit on the edge of her bed. She gave him a beaming smile, but there was concern behind her eyes “Sweetheart, why are you doing here in the orphanage? Where is your family at?” She carefully held his hand in both of hers and placed them in her lap.
Oh no, I don’t want to tell her my story, because it’s so hard and she might laugh at me if I tell her where I come from. However, the girls understood and they are my friends, and Noi is my friend too. I hope she will understand. His thoughts drifted away as he let out a heavy sigh.
“It’s a long story Noi, but I’ll tell you. It all began when my mommy was coming to pick me up from school…” He began his tale once again.
Several minutes later
“And that is how I ended up here.” He sighed heavily once again as he looked at Noi. He saw tears rolling down her cheeks as she sniffled.
She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight yet gentle hug. She rubbed up and down his back soothingly “Oh Toby, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother, and for the evil act of your father to be one to kill her.” She patted his back before gently pulling him back from the hug. She held both of his hands now in hers and looked into her eyes “But you have persevered and gone through so much sweetheart that you have a wonderful and caring family it sounds like. You should be proud of yourself Toby.” She gave him a warm smile and leaned into give him a kiss on the cheek.
Toby couldn’t help but blush at the kiss, but he tried to not pay attention to it, because he knew he had Silver Spoon back home waiting for him. He gave her a soft smile “Thank you Noi. It’s still hard to talk about my mommy being gone, but each time I do, it does get a little bit better.” He sniffled as he let out another heavy sigh. He then looked up into Noi’s eyes “What about you though Noi, how long have you been staying here at the orphanage?” He asked with a hint of concern in his voice.
It was Noi’s time to let out a heavy sigh as she looked down at floor “All my life Toby. I’ve been living here ever since I was an infant.” She crossed her hands in her lap.
Toby looked at her worriedly “What about your mommy and daddy though Noi? What happened to them?” He tried to ask as careful and gentle as he could so not to get her upset even more.
She lifted her head up and turned it to look at him “I honestly don’t know Toby. All I know is that my parents dropped me off on the doorsteps of this place and I haven’t seen or heard from them since.” She blinked her eyes as a couple tears fell onto the bed “I’ve been watching kids come in waiting for the right family to adopt them for so long that I wish I could have a family to call my own.” She gave a tearful smile.
Toby felt for his friend and wrapped his arms around her neck “Oh Noi, I’m so sorry. It really hurts to lose a parent, but to not know them when you are born is sad.” He laid his head on her shoulder and tried to soothe her pain by rubbing up and down her back softly with a hand.
She sniffled and gave a warm smile as she hugged him back “Thank you Toby. You are a very sweet and special little boy sweetheart, and I hope you get back home safely.” She very carefully pulled herself away from the hug and laid her hands on his shoulders “Just know that you’ll always have me as your friend in here.” She pointed at the left side of his chest where his heart is.
He nodded “Okay Noi, and you’ll always have me in yours too as my friend.” He let out a giggle as Noi did the same.
Counselor Spitfire was in her office going over some forms when there was a knock at the door “Come in.’ she called out as the door opened to reveal Counselor Soarin. She gave him a nod “Yes Sir, what is it?”
He cleared his throat “Counselor Spitfire Ma’am, there is a Mr. Rich and his daughter here wanting to speak to you about adopting a child.” He stood at attention waiting for her order.
Spitfire nodded “Just send them in Counselor Soarin.” She gave him a smirk.
Soarin saluted “Yes Ma’am.” He turned to exit when she spoke up “Oh and Counselor Soarin?” He turned around and “Yes Ma’am?”
She chuckled “Quit acting like this is the military or something. This is an orphanage, not boot camp, so relax.” He nodded and exited her office.
He soon brought in Filthy Rich along with Diamond Tiara. Spitfire placed the forms she was working on in a folder and placed it on the side. She stood up from her desk and reached out her hand “Mr. Rich, I am Counselor Spitfire and this is Counselor Soarin.” She motioned toward the blue tinted man “And we are both co-operators of the Canterlot City Orphanage.”
Filthy Rich nodded “Well it is a pleasure to meet you Madam Spitfire. I am Filthy Rich and this is my daughter Diamond Tiara.” He placed his arm around her shoulders.
Spitfire gave the teen a warm smile “Well hello Diamond Tiara, I see that you want to be a big sister, am I correct?” Diamond simply nodded with a very convincing smile “Well, if you two will follow me, I will show you the kids.” She gave both of them a smile and walked around her desk.
Diamond quickly stepped in front of her “No, wait Ms. Spitfire.” She spoke with a little hesitance “I mean I know there are probably many cute and sweet little brothers or sisters that I can be a big sister to, but there is one little boy that I heard just came in today. Is that true?” She gave her a curious look and a small smirk.
Spitfire looked at her curiously, but nodded ‘Yes, in fact I brought him here. His name is Toby Mason, and he is eight years old. Would you like to come and meet him?” She asked with a warm smile.
Diamond Tiara’s smirk grew as she nodded “Oh, yes Ma’am, he sounds like such a cutie.” She looked up at her father ‘What do you think Daddy?”
Filthy Rich nodded “Well sugarplum, are you sure you don’t want to meet any of the other children before immediately deciding?”
“Yes Daddy, I’m sure.” Diamond looked at Spitfire “Ms. Spitfire if it’s okay with you, could you bring cutie little Toby in here? I want to talk to my Daddy for a little bit.” She gave a girlish grin.
Spitfire nodded “Oh, of course. You two just stay here and I will be right back with the little guy.” She gave them a warm smile before exiting her office.
Meanwhile, on the way toward the orphanage the girls were in shock at what Featherweight revealed about Diamond Tiara’s latest scheme. They were fuming as Rarity turned to Featherweight “Darling, thank you for telling us this. Ooh, that little miss prissy, if I get my hands on her I’m going to… “She was stopped as Applejack placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Easy there sugarcube, Ah am with ya on getting revenge on that little hussy, but ya got to try and keep a cool head about this.” She rubbed at Rarity’s shoulder giving her a reassuring smile.
Rarity sighed heavily “You’re right dear. We are doing this for our sweet little friend after all.” She gave a soft smile and turned back to Featherweight “And for you helping all of us with this darling, I would like to give you this.” She leaned in and gave him a tender kiss on the cheek.
He was left speechless and a deep red blush formed on his cheeks. The others d’awwed at the sight while Rainbow Dash crossed her arms and turned her head “Yuck, too mushy for my taste.” She sighed softly and shook her head.
“Aw… Dashy don’t be jealous. Here, let me give you a friendly kiss.” Pinkie Pie beamed and reached over, wrapped her arms around Rainbow’s neck, and planted a big wet, yet friendly kiss on her cheek. She made a loud pucker noise as she did. The giggled as the others joined in.
“PINKIE!” rainbow Dash yelled as she gasped at the kiss and wiped at her cheek with the back of her hand.
Spitfire brought Toby into her office to meet with Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara, hoping he that he would want to go live with them. When he first saw them he shook nervously “No!” He let out a little yell. He looked up at Spitfire and shook his head furiously “No Miss Spitfire I don’t want to go home with her!” He pointed at Diamond.
The three gasped at his outburst as Spitfire crouched down to his eye level “Mr. Mason, how come do you not want to be adopted by Mr. Rich and his daughter for? I’m sure they are a nice and car… ““No Ma’am, they aren’t!” He cut her off.
He looked up at Filthy Rich “Mr. Rich, I don’t mean to shout, but your daughter bullies me constantly at school. Her and her friend Silver Spoon are always mean to me, calling me names, pushing me around, and just awful things.” He looked up at the older man with a frown.
Filthy could see the pain in Toby’s eyes and turned to Diamond “Honey, is this true? Have you and your friend been treating this young man cruelly?” He eyed his daughter curiously.
She shook her head nonchalantly “Of course not Daddy!” She walked up to Toby giving him a pat on the head “Why would be mean to such a cute little pumpkin this?” She pinched at his cheek and he jerked his head away.
“Oh, yes you would Diamond, you and that two bit hussy of a friend.” The voice of Sunset could be heard as her and the girls came walking up to the door of Spitfire’s office. They walked in as she looked at the counselor “Counselor Spitfire, my friends and I don’t intend to intrude but Toby being here is a huge mistake, and it’s because of that girl right there!” She pointed at Diamond with frustration in her eyes.
Spitfire looked back and forth at the group, Toby, and at the Riches. She placed her hands on her hips, staring at the teen princess “What is this all about Ms. Tiara?” Diamond swallowed nervously as all eyes fell on her.
“M-maybe I can explain.” Featherweight walked in, shuffling his feet slowly as Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna followed behind.
Celestia spoke up as she placed a hand gently on Featherweight’s shoulder and reached out the other one toward Spitfire “Miss Spitfire, my name is Celestia and this is my sister Luna.” She motioned toward Luna who gave a bow of her head “And we are here to clear up some mishap that happened with young Mr. Mason being brought here to the orphanage.” She looked down to give Toby a warm smile.
Toby looked up with a smile of relief as he walked over to his friends “Big sister Sunset, girls… I knew you would come!” He said happily as he hugged at Sunset’s waist as the others smiled at the sight before turning a glaring eye at Diamond.
Sunset crouched down giving her little friend a hug and lifted him up, setting him on her hip. She smiled at him and nuzzled at his nose “I told you I would buddy.” She chuckled and looked towards Diamond.
Spitfire rubbed at her forehead and looked at everyone “Will someone please explain to me what’s going on? I don’t want the kids to come down the hall and see a wild zoo going on so would you please shut the door.” Luna closed the door since she was the one closest to it.
Celestia cleared her throat “I apologize for all the commotion Counselor Spitfire, but I shall explain to you the situation. This dear student.” She patted Featherweight on the shoulder “Came to my sister and I informing us that Miss Tiara here called here at the orphanage to let you know that Mr. Mason is a little boy without a family.”
Spitfire recalled her receiving a phone call “Yes Ma’am, I remember now.” She turned toward Diamond with a look of frustration “Ms. Tiara is this true that you are the one that called me about Toby being without a legal guardian?” She tapped her shoe against the wooden floor.
“And don’t you dare lie to us young lady.” Filthy gave his daughter a stern look.
She sighed heavily and allowed her arms to fall to her side “Alright, alright, yes I did call you Counselor Spitfire about the twerp.” Everyone gasped at what she called the little boy “What?! I mean look at him, he is pathetic and he tried to steal my spotlight at school. He’s just a little baby!” She yelled as she felt a smack on her hand “Ow! Daddy, why did you do that?”
“That is enough Diamond! You are going to be severely punished for this when we get home!” Filthy gave her a look of disappointment and then looked at Toby in Sunset’s arms “My young lad, I am terribly sorry for my daughter’s behavior toward you. I promise her or that Silver Spoon won’t be bothering you again.” He gave the young boy a soft smile.
Toby nodded and returned the smile “Thank you Mr. Rich and you don’t have to be sorry for anything. It’s not your fault Sir.” He laid his head on Sunset’s shoulder as she held him.
Filthy nodded “Well, you are a very respectful and kind young man Toby.” He grabbed Diamond’s hand in his “Let’s go Diamond and we shall discuss your punishment on the way home.” He huffed and shook his head in disappointment.
“But Daddy!” she whined as he looked at her “No but daddy me Diamond! You will learn to respect others and like it!” Filthy gave a stern nod and exited the office.
Toby, the girls, and the principals let out a light-hearted laugh. Rarity whipped her hair behind her “That will show that poor excuse for a lady to mess our dear little friend.” She gave a blushing smile as she rubbed at Toby’s cheek, earning a blush of his own.
Spitfire smiled at the sight of the little boy with his friends as she approached him “Well Mr. Mason, it looks like I’ve made a terrible mistake in bringing you here and taking away from your family. Can you forgive me?” She gave him a warm smile and gently patted at his shoulder.
He gave her a warm smile and nodded “Of course Miss Spitfire, I forgive you. You have nothing to be sorry for either, like Mr. Rich. Diamond Tiara just tricked you to be mean to me.” He gave a little frown.
Sunset tried to cheer him by rubbing up and down with her free hand as she held him on her hip with her other arm under his bottom. She nodded to Spitfire “Thank you Counselor Spitfire. Will it be okay if we take him home with us now or do we have to sign anything?” Her and the others looked at Spitfire curiously.
The counselor simply shook her head “No you don’t Ms. Shimmer. In fact…” She walked over to her filing cabinet and pulled out Toby’s folder. She pulled out his registry form, held it between her hands, and ripped in it half. Everyone gasped as she looked at them “Since that was a false accusation of Mr. Mason having no family by Ms. Tiara, this form in reality is a fake registry.” She gave a warm smile. She gave a bow of her head to Toby and the others “You may return to your family Mr. Mason.”
Toby smiled brightly and wrapped his necks around Sunset’s neck tightly, but not to hurt her. He felt tears threaten to escape as the girls joined in a group hug.
Celestia and Luna stood at the door smiling at the sight “You know Tia, Toby truly is a special little boy. He could have yelled at Diamond Tiara or not forgive Mr. Rich,, but he was calm and polite when he spoke.” Luna smiled at the child.
Celestia nodded in agreement “You are very right sister.” She cleared her throat as she looked at the group “Well girls and young Toby, my sister and I are going to leave so we can come up with appropriate disciplinary action for Diamond Tiara’s most recent scandal.” The two principals gave a wave of their hand as the others returned it.
The group rejoiced in the fact on stopping Diamond’s attempt to cause more chaos in the young boy’s life. Pinkie beamed and spoke up “I know what, how about we all have a “Welcome Back Toby, Although You Weren’t Really Gone, Just Stuck In This Orphanage Because Of Mean Meanie Pants Diamond Tiara Party”!” The girls, Toby, and Featherweight who just stood there quietly had their jaws dropped.
Toby giggled and nodded “That sounds like fun Pinkie.” He smiled brightly and looked at Featherweight “Featherweight would you like to join us? It’s because of you that Diamond wasn’t able to take me away.”
Featherweight touched the toes of his shoes together shyly “Well… I… “Suddenly Rarity gently walked up to him and gave him a peck on the cheek, causing him to blush red again.
Rarity gave him a soft smile “C’mon darling, the little dear is right. And if you do join us, you can sit beside me, how does that sound?” She asked sweetly as she gently stroked at the boy’s head.
A shy swallow traveled down his throat as he nodded “Gee… I guess I can come with you all.” He smiled as he felt Rarity hook her arm with his.
The girls all d’awwed at the sight except for Rainbow Dash “Yuck… even more mushy stuff.” She was elbowed by Applejack.
“Hush now Rainbow. Ah think it’s kind of cute for the feller to get a kiss from a girl, especially the risk he took of being bullied by that rotten varmint of a girl to help us get Toby out of here.” She tipped her hat.
Without warning Pinkie hopped up to Rainbow Dash and hooked her arm with hers “Yea Dashy, don’t be jealous again! I’ll walk with you!” She beamed with joy as Dash simply sighed and shook her head.
Sunset looked at Toby with a warm smile “Ready to leave this place Toby and come back to your family?” She reached up with her hand and stroked at the little boy’s hair.
Toby nodded and smiled happily “Yes I am big sister Sunset!” He exclaimed excitedly.
The girls and Toby turned to Counselor Spitfire “Bye Miss Spitfire!” They said altogether.
She gave them all a wave “Bye everyone and have a good day.” She gave them a warm smile as she walked over behind her desk. She sat back and let out a heavy sigh oh, what a long day this has been.
As Toby was leaving with Sunset the girls he turned to look at Fluttershy “Fluttershy, could I ask you something?” He gave her a hopeful smile.
The timid girl looked at him surprised but nodded “Of course sweetie, what would you like to ask me?” She gave him a warm smile.
“I was thinking Fluttershy, you look and care for me like my Momma Fluttershy back in Equestria.” Fluttershy nodded in response “And I was thinking, how would you maybe feel about being a mommy here?”