The next morning, as the sun began to rise up in the horizon, Fluttershy woke up and then she realized something important, “Oh my, I just realized it. Today’s Thomas’s birthday! I don’t know what to get him.” She then remembered that Thomas told her when his birthday was, and that nobody celebrated his birthday with him. She then felt furious about those horrible bratty children at the orphanage, until she calmed herself down, and then finally decided to make his birthday party special and make it a day for him to remember. She got off the couch and went outside and trotted over to Ponyville so she can talk to her friends about it.
When she made it to Twilight’s castle, she entered the door and saw the others chatting until they saw her entering. “Oh! Good morning, Fluttershy dear,” Rarity said. “Is somethin’ troublin’ ya, sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “Well, today... today’s my son’s birthday,” Fluttershy said. They all gasped at what she just said, and then they went over to her. “IT’S HIS BIRTHDAY?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly. “What’d you have in mind?” Twilight asked. “Um... I don’t want to make a large crowd, but is it okay if we have the party here? We can hire some foalsitters or one while we go out to get some decorations,” Fluttershy said. “I just wanted to make this feel special for my baby boy.”
They all d’awwed at her kind and thoughtful idea, and then they nodded in agreement, “Of course we can have it here,” Twilight said. “I’ll go talk to Mr. and Mrs. Cake about making him a cake,” Pinkie Pie said. “And I’ll make him some new clothes and pajamas as my gift for him,” Rarity said. “I can invite the Wonderbolts for some autographs and pictures, because they seemed to like him,” Rainbow Dash said. “That sounds like a fun idea,” Fluttershy said. “But who would foalsit him?”
When Thomas started to wake up, he rose up and stretched his body and bones, and then he carefully climbed off the bed and walked downstairs for some breakfast. As he arrived in the kitchen, he saw Fluttershy cooking his breakfast, “Good morning, Momma.” Fluttershy suddenly heard his voice, and then she turned around and saw him rubbing his eyes, “Good morning, sweetie. I made you some breakfast.” Thomas nodded as a “thank you” and then sat down at the table so he can eat his breakfast. When she poured the porridge into his bowl, Fluttershy brought it over to him and gave him a spoon and a kiss on the forehead, “Okay, go ahead and eat up.” Thomas nodded and then started eating his breakfast.
“By the way, baby. I’ve hired some twin pegasus ponies to watch over you for today while I do a little shopping with your aunties,” Fluttershy said. “For what reason?” Thomas asked. “It’s a secret,” Fluttershy said. “Okay,” Thomas said, and then he suddenly was finished with his breakfast. “Go get dressed, sweetheart,” Fluttershy said, after she took his bowl and spoon. Thomas nodded and then went upstairs to get dressed.
When he came down, he was wearing his red and blue striped white t-shirt, blue overalls, and sand green hooded jacket. “So, when will my babysitters be here?” Thomas asked. “Right about...” Fluttershy suddenly heard the doorbell ring. “Now.” She trotted over to the door and then saw two twin pegasus mares standing there with happy faces. They both had pale persian blue fur coats, but the one on the right had a light blue mane and tail with white streaks, pink eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a shooting star. The one next to her had a pale light grayish opal mane and tail with a pink bow on the back of her head, pale light grayish raspberry eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of three dragonflies. Their names were Cloudchaser and Flitter.
“Hey, Fluttershy! How’s it going?!” They giggled in unison. “Oh, hello, Cloudchaser. Hello, Flitter,” Fluttershy said in unison. Flitter suddenly saw Thomas hiding behind Fluttershy’s hind leg, and then she warmly smiled, “Oh... my gosh! Hey there, little cutie!” Thomas softly whimpered as he tightly hugged Fluttershy’s leg, “Shhhhhh... it’s okay, baby. They’re just saying hello.” Thomas then let go, and then he went over to the twins, “Hi.”
“Aww... isn’t he adorable?!” Cloudchaser asked in a coo. “Yes! I just could just eat you up!” Flitter replied while gently pressing his cheeks with her front hooves. “Anyway, this is my son, Thomas. He’s the human I’ve adopted long ago the past three months,” Fluttershy explained and then she told them both about his hard life in his orphanage. When they listened to the tale, Cloudchaser and Flitter felt sad for his pain. “Aww... I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that, sweetie,” Cloudchaser said, while she and Flitter brought Thomas over for a hug. “Nothing as sweet as you should ever suffer like that. You’re too sweet to be hurt like that,” Flitter said. “I know,” Thomas said, as he pressed his cheek on Flitter’s chest. “I’m glad he’s getting along with you really well. If you don’t remember why you were called here, it’s because I need to do something with his aunts for a little shopping spree, so I was wondering if you two could take care of him while I’m gone,” Fluttershy explained. “We’d love to!” the twins said in unison. “I think foalsitting this adorable little cutie pie would be fun! Just like how we do little Rumble!” Flitter said. “Yes! I totes agree on that!” Cloudchaser said.
Fluttershy giggled at their gossip while Flitter playfully ruffled Thomas’s hair as she gently hugged him against her chest, “Okay, now I need to get going. Before I go, here are some bits in case if you want to take him for some ice cream at Sugarcube Corner. And here’s a list of a few chores I was wondering you could help me with while I’m gone.”
“Don’t worry, Flutters. We’ll deal with the chores and take care of this cutie pie. Won’t we, sis?” Cloudchaser asked. “Yep. You know how sweet Rumble is when we watch over him, and I’m sure this little sweetie will be the same!” Flitter said. Fluttershy nodded, and then she whispered into their ears so that Thomas doesn’t hear, and then they both nodded in agreement. Fluttershy lowered herself towards Thomas’s level and then gave him a kiss on the cheek, “Okay, sweetheart. Be good for them and I’ll see you later tonight, okay?” Thomas nodded, and then Fluttershy left, “Bye, Momma.”
After Fluttershy left, Thomas was now all alone with Cloudchaser and Flitter, as the hair bow pegasus held him against her chest with one hoof. They saw that he looked kinda depressed about the thing Fluttershy was hiding. “You feeling okay, Thomas?” Cloudchaser asked. “I’m fine. I just feel like Momma’s hiding something from me,” Thomas said. “Aww... don’t worry, sweetie pie. We promised your mommy we’d take care of you, and that’s what we’re going to do,” Flitter said. “I know,” Thomas said, as he softly stroked her chest fur. “Um... Cloudchaser?”
“Yeah?” she asked in reply. “I kinda like how your mane looks. It almost reminds me of Aunt Rainbow Dash’s mane,” Thomas said. “Aww... you’re so sweet. Thanks,” Cloudchaser said, as she gave him a kiss on his left cheek. “I also like your bow, Flitter. It really satisfies the way your mane looks,” Thomas said to the pegasus holding him. “Aww, thank you, Thomas. That’s very kind of you,” Flitter replied, as she gave him a kiss on his right cheek. Thomas suddenly felt comfy with the mare’s hug, and then Cloudchaser found a book that he might like, “Daring Do?! You read these?!” Thomas nodded, “I’m on Chapter 3 on that one.”
“How about if we read some of it together, and then we can take you for some ice cream?” Cloudchaser suggested. “Okay!” Thomas said, and then the twins laid down on the couch and Flitter saw Thomas laying on his belly in the comfort of her forelegs and gently rubbed his back. “Okay, so here we are...” Cloudchaser started to read him the chapter, and later on, he started napping with deep sleep. Cloudchaser and Flitter smiled warmly at him and quietly gave him two kisses, and then they quietly took him upstairs to his bedroom for a nap, and then after he was tucked in, they decided to do the chores in two portions, by having Flitter feeding the animals and Cloudchaser washing the dishes and watering the plants.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy was at the castle helping her friends decorate the castle conference room for the party, and she suddenly saw some of the ponies bring in their gifts for Thomas. “Wow, Fluttershy. I’m really impressed that you asked most of Ponyville to help out. That’s very sweet of you to do for your child,” Twilight said. “Thanks, Twilight. I just really want to make this occasion special for him,” Fluttershy said. “I know,” Twilight said. “Fluttershy, I finished assembling your special gift for Thomas. I just know he’s going to love it,” Rarity said. “Thank you, Rarity,” Fluttershy said.
Meanwhile, back at the cottage, Thomas woke up from his nap, and then he was suddenly hugged by Flitter, “Did you have a good nap, cutie?”
“Yeah,” Thomas replied. “Okay, chores are done, little sweetie had his nap, and now... what to do...” Cloudchaser said while brainstorming for ideas on what to do next. “Hey, Thomas? Let’s go get some ice cream, and then we’ll take you to the park for a little while,” Flitter said. “Okay,” Thomas said. “Um... instead of walking, why don’t you just ride on my back?” Cloudchaser suggested kindly. “Okay. Thanks,” Thomas said, and then climbed onto her back and gently grasped her spiky mane. “Anytime, kiddo,” Cloudchaser said, until she gave him a kiss on his forehead, and then she and Flitter walked to Ponyville with him in tow.
When they got to Sugarcube Corner, they sat down at a table with vanilla milkshakes for each other. “So, how’re you enjoying Equestria so far?” Cloudchaser asked. “It’s been going good,” Thomas said. “We heard you went to the Crystal Empire. How was it?” Flitter asked. “It was beautiful there,” Thomas said. “Well, some of my experience was really scary, because King Sombra tried to take control of my body as a vessel.”
“Aww... poor cutie,” Flitter said. “So, then what happened?” Cloudchaser asked. “I used Princess Luna’s magic to help me fight against him by putting his nightmare magic into my reality, and that’s where I met Princess Amore, who was the original ruler before Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,” Thomas said.
“YOU MET PRINCESS AMORE?!” they asked in unison. “Yeah. She was very beautiful and kind and caring like my Momma,” Thomas said. “Aww...” they said in unison. After they finished their milkshakes, they took Thomas to the park and did some fun activities like flying kites, then Flitter pushed him on the swing, and later on, they sat underneath a tree and Thomas sat down and leaned back towards Flitter’s belly while she laid on her left side and held her head up with her hoof on her cheek, and Cloudchaser sat on her haunches. “Thanks for watching over me. I had fun,” Thomas said. “No problem, kiddo,” Cloudchaser said. “Yeah, we’re always welcome to foalsit you anytime, or if you want to hang out with us,” Flitter said. “Well, you were both really sweet, and I like ponies who treat me that way,” Thomas said. “Aww... come here, you,” Cloudchaser gave Thomas a small kiss on the cheek, and then Flitter gave him another kiss on his other cheek. Thomas blushed heavily and then hugged them both. “Is it okay if I nap for a little while?” Thomas asked. “Go ahead, sweetie,” Flitter said, and then he suddenly fell asleep on one side of Flitter’s stomach while leaning on the ground. The twins smiled warmly and then let him sleep for a few minutes.
Few minutes later, they remembered something as they saw the sun setting. “Oh! We’re supposed to take you somewhere!” Flitter said. “Where are we going?” Thomas asked, after he woke up from his nap. “Well... We’re taking you to Princess Twilight’s castle, because I think she said about having a surprise for you,” Cloudchaser said. “Oh, cool!” Thomas said, as he climbed up onto Flitter’s back. “Thanks for letting me lay on your tummy, Flitter.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” she replied. “Alright, let’s head on over,” Cloudchaser said, and then the twins trotted over to Twilight’s castle for the party.
When they got there, Fluttershy came outside and saw Thomas riding on Flitter’s back, “Hello, girls. Was my precious little colt behaving?”
“Oh, absolutely! You should’ve seen how adorable he was sleeping!” Cloudchaser said. “But to be honest, he was such a sweetie,” Flitter said. “Thank you for taking care of him. If you want, you’re welcome to come inside and join us tonight,” Fluttershy said. “Thomas? Could you close your eyes? I have a surprise for you.” Thomas nodded and the placed his hands over his shut eyes, and then they walked inside. When they stopped, Fluttershy placed him next to her, and placed her wing over him, “Okay, sweetheart. You can open them.” Thomas opened his eyes, and when Fluttershy lifted her wing behind him, he saw the entire castle was decorated.
“SURPRISE!!!” the ponies shouted in unison. “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” Fluttershy said. Thomas then saw a banner that said “Happy Birthday, Thomas!” and then he smiled with tears of happiness in his eyes, “You... You m-made this... f-for me?!” Fluttershy nodded and then he jumped onto her chest and hugged her neck, and she wrapped a foreleg underneath his bottom and patted his back with one free hoof. “Thank you for remembering. I love you, Momma,” Thomas said. “Aww... you’re welcome, sweetheart. I love you too, my little colt,” Fluttershy said, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Let’s go see some other ponies, and then we’ll have some cake and open presents.” Thomas nodded and then she kept hugging his mother.
“Momma? I met this donkey dragon with weird looking arms and legs one time. Do you think he’ll accept me?” Thomas asked. “You mean Discord? Well, he’s not usually fond with others trying to make friends with me. But maybe if I reason with him, he’ll accept you,” Fluttershy said. “Okay,” Thomas said.
“Hey, sweetie pie,” a familiar voice said. It was Diamond Tiara, wearing a black linen glittery dress and silver pearls. “Diamond Tiara!” Thomas said as he ran over to her for a hug. “How’s my coltfriend doing?” Diamond Tiara asked. “I’m good. I’m sorry we didn’t hang out more often,” Thomas said, until Diamond Tiara spoke up after giving him a kiss on the cheek. “It’s okay. By the way, this is from my father and mother, and this one is from Silver Spoon and me. Happy birthday.”
Thomas nodded, then he looked at them until she spoke up, “Well, what are you waiting for? Open them.” Thomas opened the one from Filthy Rich, revealing a sack full of bits. “Your daddy gave me money?” Thomas asked. “I figured you may need some for future purchases, so I thought I’d ask him for some charity donation,” she explained. “Thanks,” Thomas said. He then opened the gift form her and Spoiled Rich, revealing a charm bracelet with silver and baby blue sapphires. “Thanks, Diamond,” Thomas said, as he gave her another hug. “Anytime, cutie. Now, I have to go enjoy the party some of the commoners with my parents. Happy birthday!” She said in goodbye.
Thomas then saw the Crusaders with their gifts. “Here ya go, bud. Our gifts from us to you!” Apple Bloom spoke up. “In an exchange of our friendship,” Sweetie Belle said. “Thanks, guys,” Thomas said, and then he took his presents to the other 17 gifts. “Thomas, I got the Wonderbolts here to see you. And just so you know... Fleetfoot and Misty Fly kinda miss you,” Rainbow Dash said in whisper. “Come on, I’ll take you over.” Thomas nodded and then walked with Rainbow Dash over to the Wonderbolts team, and he saw Spitfire, Soarin’, Thunderlane, Misty Fly, and Fleetfoot standing there getting their photos taken with young fillies and colts, and baby ponies, too. “Hey! There’s the guest of honor!” Soarin’ said. “Hey, guys,” Thomas said. “How are you, sweetie?!” Fleetfoot asked, while giving Thomas a warm hug. “I’m going good, Fleetfoot,” Thomas said. “Happy birthday, squirt,” Spitfire said, as she gently ruffled his hair. “Thanks, Spitfire,” Thomas said. “I really missed you all.”
“Aww... we missed you too, hon,” Misty Fly said. “You’ll always be special to us, no matter where you are or where you go,” Fleetfoot said. Thomas softly blushed and gave her another hug. Fleetfoot suddenly blushed a soft shade of pink on her cheeks, and then patted his shoulders. “Rainbow Dash?! Why don’t you join our picture?” Soarin asked. “Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh!Ohmygosh! I’d love to!” Rainbow Dash said, and then she stood next to Spitfire and put her hoof on Thomas’s shoulder and made a pose with the other Wonderbolts, and Thomas smiled for the camera. After his picture, he went over to his mother, “Okay, sweetheart. Let’s open some presents and have cake.” Thomas nodded and then walked over to the couch.
After he sat down, Applejack came over with her gift, and Apple Bloom’s gift. “Here ya go, sugarcube. This one on underneath Apple Bloom’s gift is from me,” she said. He saw his presents wrapped in plaid forest green and red apple patterned wrapping paper. He opened Applejack’s gift, and he got a quilt, but it was patterned with red, green and yellow apples and had shades of dark reddish orange and forest green plaid and squares over the apples. “Thanks, Auntie Applejack. I’ll use this whenever I want to sit on it if I get cold,” Thomas said, giving the country mare a warm hug. “You’re welcome, little feller. Now, open Apple Bloom’s,” Applejack said.
From Apple Bloom, he got a green and white plaid scarf bandanna with red apples on it. “Thanks, Apple Bloom,” he said. “No problem. I wanted to make it special for ya, so I asked Granny Smith to help me sew it out, like she sewn that quilt Applejack gave ya,” Apple Bloom said, giving her friend a hug. Thomas suddenly felt something was placed on his head, and then took it off and saw a blue ball cap with white wings and yellow lightning bolts. “From me and Scootaloo, a Wonderbolts ball cap!” Rainbow Dash said.
Thomas then hugged Rainbow Dash’s chest, and then Scootaloo joined in. “It was nothing, buddy. We just didn’t know what you might like, so we thought this would help,” she said. “It’s okay. I like it anyway,” Thomas said. “Anytime, buddy. Anytime,” Rainbow Dash said.
Rarity and Sweetie Belle came over with their gift, and when he opened it, it was another wool blanket, but it was dark royal blue plush fabric and the other side was grey faux fur. “That, darling, is in case you start to get cold,” Rarity said. “I like it. It feels warm anyway,” Thomas said, and then he reached out his arms as Rarity came over to give him a hug, and he gently wrapped his arms around her neck and pressed his cheek on her chest, as she softly blushed and wrapped her foreleg around him. “You’re welcome, precious,” Rarity said, giving him a kiss on the forehead.
Pinkie Pie came over, and with her were three mares with their gifts. The one on the left had stern brows and a smile, and she had bluish gray fur, a straight opalish gray mane and tail, light apple green eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of two gray rocks underneath a sliced lime. The one on the left had a shy smile like Fluttershy, and she had turquoise gray fur, a long and straight dark grayish cyan mane and tail, grayish violet eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of three purple marble pebbles. The one in the middle had a neutral toned frown face, and she had Persian bluish gray fur, a grayish bluish violet mane and tail, light turquoise eyes with grayish bluish violet eyeshadow, she had a grayish bluish green vest with a charcoal gray belt around her belly, and her flank had a cutie mark of a sharp diamond shaped rock.
“Thomas, these are my sisters. This is Limestone Pie, Maud Pie, and Marble Pie! I asked them to come over to meet you and help me wish my little cutie nephew a happy birthday!” Pinkie Pie explained in happiness. “Cool,” Thomas said. “We didn’t know what to get you for your birthday or what might interest you, but we got you these,” Limestone said. “Thanks, Limestone,” Thomas said. He opened his gifts from the three Pie sisters and he got rocks with colorful gems in the inside. “Wow... they’re so pretty!” Thomas said. “We’re glad you like them,” Maud said. Thomas suddenly hugged Limestone and Marble, and Maud joined in as well by patting his shoulder. “Happy birthday,” Maud said.
“Aww... aren’t you... sweet?” Marble asked nervously blushing. “Why is he hugging us?” Limestone asked. “It’s a thank you type thing, since you were so nice to him,” Pinkie Pie said. “Oh, well I guess I’m cool with it,” Limestone said, as she returned the hug by stroking his hair as he leaned over to her chest.
After the hug was over, he received storybooks from Twilight and Starlight, and Fluttershy decided to give him his gift last. “Sweetheart, I have a gift for you,” she said. He took the box from her, and when he opened it, he saw a silver heart-shaped locket with dark blue gems on the front and back that came with a silver chain necklace, and he saw a small picture of his new family group photo, but with Starlight in it. “I love it, Momma!” Thomas said, as he hugged his mother. “You’re welcome, sweetheart,” she replied, after giving him a soft kiss on the forehead. Twilight gave Thomas his other gifts from Princess Celestia and Luna, and both Cadance and Shining Armor, and Sunburst, which were a quill and ink set with black ink and a pack of griffon feather quills from Princess Celestia, a magic candle from Princess Luna, a crystal snow globe from Cadance and Shining Armor, and a few more books but from Sunburst.
After he enjoyed his gifts, he blew the candles from his cake and then he enjoyed some of it with his family and friends. ‘That was the best birthday ever,’ he thought to himself.
The next morning, Thomas came over to the castle for some foalsitting while Fluttershy was out of town to help with a animal problem. Twilight also invited Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadance for some tea. “I’m so glad you could come! Thomas was really worried that he may never see you again!” Twilight said. “Of course. We so rarely get a chance to just relax and visit, if we aren’t busy most of the time,” Princess Luna said. Thomas was being held by Cadance in her right foreleg as she used her beautiful golden slippered hoof as a holding hand for him. “I know we’ve seen each other last week, dear. But I’m so glad I at least get to spend time with you,” Cadance said. “I missed seeing you too, Princess Cadance,” Thomas said, as he hugged her chest and neck with his arms in different positions. “I know, honey,” Cadance said softly as she took a sip of her tea.
“However, there’s usually some crisis we have to usually deal with. Because somepony always needs our help. But today—“ Princess Celestia said, until she was interrupted by a familiar voice. “Twilight! Something’s wrong with my Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity exclaimed as she put him on the table, and they saw his scales glowing and him scratching himself like he was feeling itchy. “What’s wrong, Spike?” Twilight asked, as Cadance comforted the colt in her embrace as she gently rubbed his side with her hoof. “I don’t know! Nngh! It just won’t stop!” Spike complained. “I think we know the answer,” Princess Luna said. “However, little much is known about dragon culture, but I fear this may be a phenomenon we’ve seen before. If I am correct, this is the call of the Dragon Lord.”
Princess Celestia nodded, “Dragons glow whenever the Dragon Lord has need of them in the Dragon Lands.” Thomas gulped nervously, as Cadance softly patted him as he held her hoof with his little hands. “So, it’ll stop if Spike goes to the Dragon Lands?” Thomas asked. “Correct, dear one,” Princess Luna said. “B-B-But the Dragon Lands are full of... dragons! And they’re cruel and ghastly creatures!” Rarity said, until she looked at Spike with a sad face like she broke his heart, then she hugged him. “Oh, oh, not you, Spikey-Wikey.” She then kissed Spike on the forehead, “But remember that horrible Garble?”
Spike gulped nervously, “How could I forget? He would’ve burnt us to crisp if you weren’t there. But if I have to go there and see the commotion, would you guys come with?”
Starlight nodded, “And I know it’s gonna be a stupid idea, but is it okay if we bring Thomas along? We could try to keep him close to us.” Twilight then thought for a moment until she looked at Thomas now being held in Starlight’s hoof and giving her puppy eyes. “Alright, but try to keep him away from the other dragons and the lava,” she said. “This also might be a good chance to make some notes about dragons! Because I’ve been working on an article about them and their culture, and maybe that’ll make a great contribution to the knowledge of Equestria! And also be there for Spike.”
Princess Celestia nodded, “Be very careful. The Dragon Lands are particularly dangerous for ponies, and since our little one is new to this, he might be in danger, so you are to keep him with you at all times. It would be wise for you to discreet.”
Rarity then thought of something, “Well, Starlight and I have made an extra late birthday gift for Thomas. We made him this.” Starlight gave Thomas a black satiny gothic blanketing cloak, when he wrapped it around himself, some of his body disappeared. “Whoa! My body’s gone!” Thomas said. “I call it an invisibility cloak. It should give any creature a good shot before it sees you,” Rarity said. “Cool!” Thomas said. “Thomas, why don’t you ride on my back and we’ll use the cloak when we get there?” Starlight suggested as she leaned down. “Okay,” Thomas said, as he then climbed onto her back and put the cloak in one of her saddlebags.
When they arrived at the Dragon Lands, Thomas hid underneath Starlight’s mane and hugged her neck, until she looked back at him and nuzzled his head with hers, “You okay, sweetheart?” Thomas shook his head, and then Starlight kissed him on the top of his head, and then when they got closer, she took out the cloak and wrapped it around herself, and then Rarity and Twilight. “Why, I can barely see through this thing!” Rarity said. “Shh!” Spike said, as he sat far away from Garble, who was a dark red dragon with light orange spines.
He suddenly saw a big colossal dragon sitting on a big rock. He had grayish arctic blue scales, big horns in a shade of pale, light grayish gold-to-moderate vermilion, and moderate vermilion eyes. He was also wearing black armor and a crown with red gems on top.
“Hey, buddy? Who’s that?” Spike whispered to another dragon. “Oh, that’s Dragon Lord Torch. He’s all mighty and powerful, and he rules here with dignity,” the dragon said. “Oh, then what about her?” Spike asked pointing to the female dragon next to him. She had brilliant cyan scales with a pale turquoise underbelly scales and a wing membrane gradient mixture of moderate indigo and light cobalt blue, moderate phthalo blue spikes, light apple greenish gray horns, and brilliant red eyes. “That’s his daughter, Princess Ember,” the dragon said back. “I should probably warn you. I wouldn’t even look at her, because if you try to flirt with her or make a move by looking at her, Torch will probably eat you.”
Spike gulped nervously and then nodded. Underneath the cloak, Starlight held Thomas in her left foreleg and comforted him while he nuzzled with her chest fur. Twilight took notes while Rarity tried to keep herself calm. “That must be the Dragon Lord,” Twilight said. Thomas softly whimpered since he suddenly felt scared about how big he was, and then buried his face in Starlight’s chest. “Shhhhhh... it’s okay, honey. I’m here,” she said, as she sat on her haunches and held him with both her forelegs and softly rubbed his back.
Dragon Lord Torch started to speak up, “Dragons of Equestria, hear me! I have been Dragon Lord for longer than many of you can remember, and my reign has been extraordinary!” The dragons cheered and rooted for him, then he spoke up again, “But unfortunately, I have come to announce to you that the time has come for me to step down! And I know it’s sad, but I have advised a challenge for you to compete in! The Gauntlet of Fire, one of the most dangerous tasks in the history of all dragons! If one of you makes it out alive with the bloodstone scepter in your hands, you have the authority to continue the throne during my retirement!” The dragons cheered and rooted for him again, until Dragon Lord Torch saw Spike standing there looking a little scared, “And what is the matter with you, young drake?!”
“Oh, uh, nothing! Just a little nervous!” Spike replied. “Dad, are you sure about this?” Ember asked as she held Spike in her hands. “I mean look at him. He could easily be squashed like a bug the size of a dragon!”
“It is my decision to make, Ember! And as Dragon Lord, I made this challenge for all dragons to compete, but if you wish to join, you are welcome to,” Dragon Lord Torch said. “Okay, Dad. I’ll just go get ready,” Ember said, and then she looked at Spike. “Hey, watch your back? Okay?” Spike nodded, “Good luck.” Ember nodded and then went to go get ready.
“I kinda like the blue one,” Thomas said. “Oh, really?” Starlight asked. “She almost sounded friendly like I would’ve been,” Thomas said, and then Spike came over to them while the other dragons were getting ready. “Guys, it’s okay. You can come out now.” They unwrapped the cloak and revealed themselves. “What are we going to do? If Garble wins, he’ll probably toast us!” Twilight said. “I don’t want him to hurt Momma!” Thomas said, as Starlight kept holding him against her chest. “Don’t worry, honey. We’ll win, but we’re gonna need a plan.”
“I’ll win the scepter. I know it’s dangerous, but I can’t let my friends get hurt, especially the pony I never got to call my mother,” Spike said, until Twilight blushed. “Aww... Spike,” Twilight said, hugging the little drake. “Alright, let’s go win that scepter.”
They all went over to the cliff near the ocean border, and then carefully climbed down. Then a few seconds later, they built a boat. They then sailed off to Flame-cano, but they were suddenly bombarded by boulders landing in the water with several dragons being smacked by them. Suddenly, when a boulder got near the boat, Thomas accidentally fell in and started drowning, but tried to stay breathing, “HELP!” Thomas suddenly kept trying to hold on and kept crying for help, but he then ran out of oxygen and started drowning, but suddenly a pair of arms came in and scooped him out, and flew over to the beach.
The stranger landed and placed the child on the sand, and then she took off her helmet, revealing Ember. Spike then saw what had happened, “That... That was Princess Ember. She just... She just saved a human! Come on, we gotta go after her, but to have a little talk.” Twilight nodded and then she and Starlight used magic to make the boat move faster.
Meanwhile, at the beach, Ember placed her ear on his chest to check his heartbeat, but then she opened his mouth and took several breaths into his mouth, and then after that, she repeatedly pressed his chest to get his heart beating again. Thomas suddenly coughed out water from his lungs. “You okay, kid?” Ember asked. “Yeah, I guess so,” Thomas said. “Thanks for saving me.”
“Well, it was better than letting you drown anyway,” Ember said. “Look, I don’t know what you’re doing here, but...”
“Thomas!” He heard the voices of his aunts, as they ran over for a group hug. “Are you alright, darling?!” Rarity asked. “I’m fine. Princess Ember saved me,” Thomas said. “You saved him? Why?” Twilight asked. “Because I’m tired of others treating me like I’m some little princess, but I just knew I was gonna humiliate myself with saving him, but I had no choice. But to be honest, dragons don’t do friends or helping,” Ember explained. “Well, this dragon does. Plus, we just saw you save our friend, and a son of a pegasus mare with a kind heart, and is a nephew of an alicorn princesses who lives with us!” Spike said.
“He’s with you?” Ember asked. The three mares nodded, as Rarity held him close to her. “I’ve never heard of humans before, but this is certainly my first time,” Ember said. “What’s your name, little guy?”
“Thomas,” he said. “That’s a weird name, but it kinda has a ring to it,” Ember said. “Ember, I know dragons don’t do teamwork, which is kinda different from what you said, but if it’s okay, my friends here came to support me to help me win the scepter, but since I found out you want to win it, can we at least put our differences aside and work together? Just this once?” Spike asked. “We owe you for saving our nephew,” Twilight said. Ember then looked at the cute eyes of Thomas, until she sighed, “Fine. But we need some way to get past some of the obstacles ahead if we want to make it to the scepter.”
“Hmm... we could use some good eyesight from behind, and some supportive calvary,” Spike said.
Later on, while catapulted tailed dragons were throwing more boulders at the other competing dragons, Ember and Spike tried to dodge them with Spike’s eyes and Ember’s flight speed, but Ember had Thomas wrapped in her arms against her underbelly for the calvary part. “Behind you! On your tail!” Spike said. Ember dodged the incoming boulders, and then they finally made it to the tunnel. “Looks like we made it to the tunnel! Now, come on! The scepter’s up ahead!” Ember said, as she and the others followed her inside, but suddenly saw huge spikes appearing and magically flame-throwing dragon breath appearing out of nowhere. Ember saw Thomas and the three mares trying to get through the spikes and fire, so she grabbed Spike and Thomas, and then Twilight magically teleported herself and the other mares with her to the other side.
Ember jumped through the spikes and landed on her feet. “That was close. Thanks,” Spike said. “No problem,” Ember said. “But I also thank you for your help. But now we’re gonna have to do this our own ways.”
“But... But I thought...” Spike said. “I’m sorry, Spike. It’s every dragon for themselves. There’s only one winner, one scepter, and one Dragon Lord. But like I said, dragons don’t do helping or make friends,” Ember said, as she then flew off. Thomas then felt sorry for Spike.
“Come on, let’s go,” Spike said, as they continued their journey. “Don’t let it get to you, Spike. She may be a princess, but she’s very courageous,” Twilight said. “Yeah, I guess,” Spike said. “I just can’t believe she ditched me like that.”
“Well, she was trying to look out for herself, or just probably like all the other dragons,” Rarity said. “But I don’t think she’s like that. Something tells me like she’s being protective over others,” Spike said. “It sounded like that when she saved our little nephew,” Twilight said. “Hey... didn’t we go through this tunnel multiple times? It almost feels like we’re going in a circle,” Starlight asked. Spike and Thomas suddenly saw the scepter up ahead. “The scepter! It’s over there!” Thomas said. “Well, let’s go get it!” Spike said, as he and Thomas ran over to the tunnel. “Oh, and Thomas! Do be careful!” Rarity said.
As they approached out of the tunnel, they were suddenly stopped by Garble as he grabbed them both. “Well, well, well! If it isn’t Spike the pony-loving baby and... I see you’ve brought me a little snack!” he said rudely. “Leave him out of this, Garble!” Spike said. “Shut up, and stop squirming!” Garble shouted. “Why are you doing this?” Thomas asked. “Because this is stupid! Why won’t anyone understand?! Dragons don’t belong with ponies!” Garble replied. “You’re wrong! Twilight and her friends are my family!” Spike said. “Yeah, right!” Garble said. “But I’m not losing to a wimpy pony-loving loser like you! When I become Dragon Lord, I’m gonna get revenge on those puny ponies! They’ll regret they ever crossed Garble! Then me and other dragons at my side will take whatever we want from Ponyland and then burn the rest of their homes to ash!”
“You can’t!” Thomas said. “And why not?!” Garble asked. “Because... Because it’ll make Princess Celestia and Luna sad,” Thomas replied. “Aww... sad? Boo-hoo! And just what are you gonna do about it?!” Garble teased. “I... don’t know...” Thomas said, as Garble spoke up. “That’s right! And do you know why you don’t know? It’s because you’re just a shrimpy little human!” He then laughed, until Spike bit him on the arm. “Aaaahhh!” He screamed in pain, causing him to lose his grip on Thomas, and Spike breathed fire on Garble, until Starlight shot her magic beam at him.
Thomas screamed as he fell towards a river of lava, but suddenly a pair of arms held him in a cradle while flying. Thomas opened his eyes and saw Ember, “You really need to be more careful.” Thomas then hugged Ember, and then she was confused until she decided to hug him back. After she landed on her feet, Ember put him down, and then looked at him. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m fine. Thank you,” Thomas said. “Don’t mention it. And I know it was every dragon for themselves, but I was wrong. I never should’ve left you all there. Besides, it’s what friends do, even if I want to protect the ones I care about,” Ember said. “Princess Ember?! You’re with them?!” Garble asked frustratingly. “If you got a problem, I suggest you back off!” Ember said, as Thomas hid behind her leg. “It’s okay, Thomas. Just stay back there.” Thomas nodded and then ran over to the others for comfort. “That’s it! I’ve had it with those pathetic ponies and friendship! I’m gonna rip you to shreds!” Garble shouted as he charged towards Ember. “Spike, get the scepter! You three stay back!” she said, as Spike ran to retrieve the scepter, and then Ember charged towards Garble and strangled his neck with her right arm. She then bit him on the shoulder, causing him to bleed.
Ember then shoved Garble towards the rock wall, and tried to hold him off. “Why are you doing this?! Dragons don’t do helping!” Garble said angrily. “Well, these... dragons... do!” Ember replied as she bit him on the neck and tugged some of Garble’s scaly skin, and then Garble tried to claw her, but Ember clawed him three times, and kicked him back.
Spike finally made it to the pedestal and grabbed the scepter, until the magic from the bloodstone flowed through his veins. He then ran over to Ember and gave her the scepter, until he charged at them. “Stop!” Ember shouted. Garble stopped, and then he obeyed her command. Ember stood up, and then saw the scepter in her hands. “This belongs to you,” Spike said. “Why? Why’d you do that?” Ember asked.. “Because you saved our lives,” Spike said. “I just wanted to protect my friends. Besides I think you’ll make a great leader, and I know you’ll protect them just as well as I would have, but I’m just a baby dragon.”
“Are you sure about this?” Ember asked. “Absolutely, because my home is in Equestria with my friends,” Spike said. Ember put the scepter down, and then lifted Spike in her arms for a hug, “Thanks, Spike. Well, you’ll have at least one friend here, too. And Thomas? I also have you to thank. Ever since I’ve saved your life twice, I learned that friendship might be something I could try out.” Thomas smiled warmly, and then he jumped onto Ember, and hugged her, until she hugged him back. The three mares adored this scene.
Meanwhile, Torch was waiting for the dragons to return, until he saw Ember carrying the scepter and then saw the three ponies and Thomas with them. “Ember?! You’re the Dragon Lord?! But how?!” he asked. “It was these two younglings that helped, along with those three. And I know dragons don’t do friends, but this child right here...” She held him in one arm and brought him against her chest. “...along with Spike, and his three friends of ponies, taught me a lot about friendship. They taught me that whenever there’s trouble, you always got to look out for each other. Maybe if you accept me as Dragon Lord, we can try something like that.”
Torch looked closer at Thomas, then he nodded. “Dragons, hear me! For now, on you’ll be under the protection of my daughter, Dragon Lord Ember! Hail her!” The dragons bowed towards her, and then she nodded, until she saw Thomas softly smiling at him. She winked at him, and then Torch made his last alpha roar, until Ember joined in. “Ember, thank you for saving me again,” Thomas said. “You’re welcome,” Ember said.
When the ceremony was over, the group went home to Equestria. “You did well, Spike. With Ember as Dragon Lord, the ponies are safe,” Twilight said. “Yep. And it’s a good thing she accepted Thomas,” Spike said. “Agreed,” Rarity said. Starlight looked back at Thomas sleeping on her back, and then levitated him onto her hoof so her can snuggle against her chest while he sleeps. “Looks like one of our heroes just went night-night,” Spike said. As they turned around, they smiled warmly as he slept. “Shhhhhh... Let’s just let him sleep for now,” Starlight said.
They all nodded as they continued their journey home.
At the crack of dawn at the farm of Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was wide awake getting ready to prepare themselves and get everything set up for the annual Apple Family Reunion. After she got out of bed and put on her hat, Applejack walked out of her bedroom and then into the hallway to go see if her little sister, Apple Bloom was awake.
She somehow noticed that the door was slightly opened and then quietly nudged it open with her hoof. She saw Apple Bloom continuing to sleep in her bed, and then quietly trotted over to her. “Apple Bloom? It’s time to wake up,” she whispered. Apple Bloom woke up and then after she rubbed her eyes, she saw Apple Jack standing there until she went over to her and hugged her chest. “Good mornin’, sis,” she said with a exhausted smile. “Good mornin’, Apple Bloom. Good news. Today’s the Apple Family Reunion,” Applejack said. Apple Bloom suddenly gasped with excitement, “Yeah! I get to see my cousin Babs again!”
Applejack chuckled and then rubbed the top of Apple Bloom’s head, “Alright, simmer down. I got an idea. How would ya like to go over to Fluttershy’s and go get your little brother, Thomas to see if he would like to join the reunion with us today?”
Apple Bloom then beamed with excitement, and then hugged her big sister again, “Yeah! And I can introduce him to Babs! And we can have lots of fun!”
Applejack hugged her little sister back by patting her shoulder with her hoof, “Well, alright then. So after breakfast, go get Thomas while me, Big Mac and Granny Smith get things ready when everypony arrives.” Apple Bloom nodded, and then later on, after a serving of apple cinnamon oatmeal, Apple Bloom ran off to Ponyville to go get Thomas.
At Fluttershy’s cottage, Thomas woke up and went downstairs for breakfast, and then he saw Fluttershy giving him a plate full of freshly cooked sunny side up eggs with salted hash browns. After he finished his breakfast, he went upstairs for a bath, until Fluttershy heard a knock on the door. She went to answer it, and then saw Apple Bloom standing there. “Howdy, Fluttershy! Is Thomas up yet?” she asked. “Yes, he’s up, but he should be done with his bath momentarily,” Fluttershy said. “Okay, but I was wondering. Could he come with me to the Apple Family Reunion? I can introduce him to my cousin Babs Seed,” Apple Bloom said.
“I’m sure he’d love that. I’ll ask him if he wants to go, but make sure that you be careful when he’s there, because you know how sensitively shy he is around others,” Fluttershy said. “No sweat!” Apple Bloom said. Thomas then came down wearing a new set of clothes he got for his birthday, which consisted a bluish green ringed t-shirt over a sports gray long sleeve shirt, black jeans, and his sand green hoodie.
Thomas came over to his mother as she brought him over for a hug. “Thomas, Apple Bloom asked me if you would like to go to their farm for their family reunion. Would you like to go?” she asked. “Um... okay, Momma. But can I stay with Auntie Applejack in case if I don’t get lost?” Thomas replied. “Of course, sweetheart. Just go ahead and have fun,” Fluttershy said, until she gave him a kiss on the top of his head, and then hugged him one more time. After they broke the hug, Thomas got onto Apple Bloom’s back and held on tight to her. “And don’t ya worry about a thing! I’ll have him back by sundown!” Apple Bloom said. Fluttershy nodded, and then Apple Bloom took Thomas back to her farm.
When they arrived at the farm, everything was set up perfectly. There were lots of banners in red, yellow, reddish orange, and red, lots of food and punch bowls full of apple beverages, cauldrons with firewood underneath, picnic tables and benches, some tents, and some fun games to enjoy. Applejack saw Apple Bloom coming back with Thomas on her back. “Auntie Applejack!” Thomas said, as he ran over to her for a hug. “Hehehehe... Well, hey there, little feller. How’s my little nephew doin’?” Applejack asked as she looked down at him hugging her neck and resting his head on her chest. “I’m good. Thanks for inviting me to your reunion,” Thomas said. “Aww... no need to thank me, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “You may be in Fluttershy’s family, but you’re family too. So, I wanted to meet ya to our other family members, who should appear right about...” She suddenly heard the sound of thundering hooves clopping and wheels moving appearing from the distance. “Now!”
They saw a lot of ponies galloping, trotting and riding carriages all the way over. They all went over to get situated and then walked out of their carriages to meet up with the others. Thomas hid himself underneath Applejack and hugged her leg. “Don’t worry, sugarcube. Auntie Applejack’s gonna take care of everythin’,” she said. Thomas nodded and then she gently lifted him up with her right foreleg and as he held her hoof, she placed him on her back so that he can be comfy. “Feel better?” Thomas nodded and then she took him for a stroll around the party, and as she was walking by, Thomas softly smiled at some of the other Apple Family members, as they turned and looked at the child on his Auntie Applejack’s back, and then they made a “d’awwww” reaction about how cute he looked and then they waved at him, and then he waved back.
“Hey there, li’l whippersnapper. I’d like ya to meet Apple Rose and Auntie Applesauce,” Granny Smith said. “Hi,” Thomas said. “Hello, little sprout,” Auntie Applesauce said. “It’s very nice to meet you, little dearie,” Apple Rose said. “Thank you,” Thomas said. “Thomas! There ya are! I’ve been looking all over for ya!” Apple Bloom said, as she trotted over to him. “Applejack? Can I take him somewhere? I wanna introduce him to Babs as a surprise.”
Applejack then grit her teeth on Thomas’s jacket and then lowered him onto Apple Bloom’s back, “Go right ahead. I’ll check up on some of the others while you youngins have fun.” Apple Bloom nodded and then took Thomas back over to the young ponies. When she got there, she saw a filly with brilliant brownish orange fur, a light and brilliant amaranth mane and tail, green eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a pair of red scissors. “Babs!” Apple Bloom shouted as she galloped over to her cousin. “Cuz!” Babs replied, giving Apple Bloom a hug. “Good news! I finally got my cutie mark!”
“Wow!” Apple Bloom said. “Hey, you got yours?! That’s awesome, cuz!” Babs said. “Thanks,” Apple Bloom said. “Oh! I would like for ya to meet somepony, but he’s ridin’ on my back.” She then turned around, revealing Thomas. “Thomas, I’d like ya to meet my cousin, Babs Seed. Babs, this is Thomas, who is both my best friend and my little brother, along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.”
“Hi, Babs,” Thomas said. “Glad to meet ya, pal,” Babs said. Apple Bloom and Babs talked about how things have been for them both, and then Applejack came over to them. “Well, I’m glad ya met Babs Seed there, Thomas. Now that y’all gotten aquatinted with each other, how about y’all do some fun things together and do a little stroll?” Applejack said. “Okay,” the three said in unison. Thomas suddenly felt his stomach growling. “Can we stop for some snacks?” Thomas asked. “Sure. Why don’t ya go over there and get some apple fritters from Apple Leaves and Apple Dumpling over there?” Applejack replied. “Okay!” Thomas said, then Apple Bloom and Babs took him for another stroll and walked over to the apple fritter making tent, where two mares were both deep frying and wrapping up apple fritters for everypony.
Apple Leaves had orange fur, a streaked white and green mane and tail, grayish violet eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a apple with five leaves. Apple Dumpling had light green fur, a two-toned red mane and tail, green eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a dumpling with two apple slices. “Hello there, Apple Bloom. Can we help... you? Oh my! Who’s this adorable little one?” Apple Leaves asked. “This is Thomas, he’s my friend and my little brother,” Apple Bloom said. “Aww... look how cute he looks,” Apple Dumpling said. “Yes. He almost looks as cute as my little baby Apple Bud,” Apple Leaves said. Thomas then smelled the aroma of the cinnamon filled apple fritters, “They smell really good. Um... can we try some?”
“Of course you can,” Apple Leaves said, as she passed them three for themselves on a napkin. “It’s on the house, dears,” Apple Dumpling said. “Thanks!” Apple Bloom said, and then they went somewhere else to eat them.
After they finished their apple fritters, they played some fun games together. And then later on, Thomas laid his head on Apple Bloom’s belly and slept while she comforted him with one little foreleg around his neck, and sat with Babs underneath an apple tree. “Man, this Apple Family Reunion is one of the best than last year,” Apple Bloom said. “Yep. You said it,” Babs said, until she saw Thomas curled up and resting his head on Apple Bloom’s belly. “Ain’t he a cutie pie when he sleeps like that?” Apple Bloom asked. “Totally, cuz. So, uh... how exactly did you and your peeps meet him?” Babs asked. “Well, it’s kind of a long story short, but here’s the truth,” Apple Bloom said. “He used to live in an orphanage in his world where he came from, but the problem was that nopony wanted to adopt him because of the other kids being special and stuff. He also didn’t have any friends to rely on. So one night, Thomas made a wish to Princess Luna’s moon.”
The other family members were listening, so they came over. “What did he wish for?” Babs asked. Apple Bloom then continued while Thomas kept sleeping on her tummy, and after a few minutes of explaining, the others felt sorry for his past hard life and felt proud of Fluttershy taking care of him and raising him as his mother. Applejack came over and saw Apple Bloom keeping Thomas comfortable, and then smiled warmly. “I’m proud of ya both watching over him,” she said. “You may want to wake him up. It’s time for the hay ride later on.”
Apple Bloom nodded and then Thomas woke up, until he got up and climbed onto Apple Bloom’s back. She and Babs then did another stroll before the hay ride. Thomas met some other family members and then he received a few hugs and thoughtful comments from them for a few minutes, and finally, he and his big sister and her cousin climbed onto the hay ride carriage and sat with each other, until he saw himself sitting next to Apple Bloom and then saw Applejack next to him, and then they enjoyed the hay ride.
“So, Thomas. How’re you enjoyin’ your home so far?” Peachy Sweet asked. “It’s going good. I’m enjoying my new home, and I love living with my Momma, and my friends and aunties,” Thomas said. “That’s good,” Apple Leaves said. “I’m also sorry about your hard life from before, dear.”
“That’s okay,” Thomas said. “No, it’s not okay. Because no child as sweet as you should ever be treated that way! Ever!” Caramel Apple said. “I’m afraid she’s right, sweetie,” Jonagold said. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Thomas said, until he felt Apple Bloom rub his back. “And at least you have three fillies who will always be your best friends and your big sisters. Thomas then smiled warmly, “And I’ll always love you three for letting me your best friend and your little brother.” He then hugged her, until she hugged him back. They then looked up and saw a swarm of multicolored fruit bats. “Wow... I’ve never seen fruit bats like those before,” Thomas said. “Well, I’m glad it’s your first time,” Apple Bloom said.
After the cart ride, Applejack was setting up the camera with a tripod near the front of the barn. “Alright, everypony. Now it’s time to take the family photo. Come on over here and get yourselves ready,” she said, and then they all nodded and climbed off the cart and went over to stand in front of the barn.
Thomas then helped Applejack finish setting up the camera, and then she looked down at him with a warm smile, “Thomas? I realize you want to take the shot, which is mighty nice of ya, but I was thinkin’. How about if ya join us for the group picture?” Thomas nodded and then he climbed onto her back. Applejack then set up the timer and then trotted over to the group and turned herself to another side where the camera can see Thomas. The timer clicked and then the camera flashed, until the annual Apple Family Reunion photo was taken.
Thomas even got a copy for himself, and then placed it in his dresser before he went to sleep. Fluttershy came upstairs to check to see if he was asleep, and then she saw that he was sleeping and smiled warmly, and then she went over and fixed the covers and tucked him in. She then saw the picture of him with the Apple family members, then she smiled warmly at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek with a hug. “I’m glad you had fun, sweetie. Goodnight,” she said softly and then she left the bedroom and let him sleep. Thomas then slept with a warm smile on his face.
On the train to Manehattan, Thomas sat next to his Auntie Rarity and leaned by her side. “What will I see in Manehattan, Auntie Rarity?” Thomas asked. “Oh, it’s just so splendidly marvelous, darling! Manehattan is like the biggest city in Equestria! There are lots of shops, some restaurants, a few theaters, and some digital screens that work magically,” Rarity said. “That almost sounds like Manhattan in my world, but it’s where the orphanage is,” Thomas said. “It makes me want to cry if I keep r-rem-remembering t-th-that horrible...” He was cut off by Rarity hugging him, “Shhhhhh... Don’t cry, darling. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.” Rarity softly stroked his cheek with her hoof, and then she gave him a kiss on the nose, and then saw him hugging her left flank and resting his head on the side of her belly.
When the train stopped, Rarity and the others got off, and then Thomas climbed onto Fluttershy’s back and then they all went together. While they walked downtown, Thomas saw the resemblance of this city to his version of Manhattan in New York. They suddenly saw an empty shop where Rarity said they’d set up the store.
“This place looks like it had its works,” Applejack said. “You said it. This could probably use some work,” Rainbow Dash said. “Umm... I’m kinda flattered you thought about setting up the store here, Rarity,” Fluttershy said. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Twilight asked. “Of course I am! I have a generous heart for fashion, and I’m going to make “Rarity For You” successful, if you all agree to help,” Rarity said. “And Thomas? Since you’re a little fragile for this...” Rarity then tried to do something nice for him, then an idea popped in her head. “Why don’t we go for a small tour in Manehattan? Starting with some lunch because I have a feeling you might be feeling a little bit famished right now.”
“Okay,” Thomas said, as he felt Rarity magically lifting him up and then he was placed on her back. “Alright, could you all tidy up the place while I’m gone? I need this to look extremely fabulous and little bit like... my sense of style!” They all nodded, and Rarity nodded in agreement, “And don’t worry, Fluttershy darling. I will take care of him while you get to work and come up with some ideas.” Fluttershy nodded and then she and the others got started after Rarity took Thomas out for lunch.
Meanwhile, at a restaurant, Rarity ordered some veggie salad and Thomas ordered a hay burger with hay fries. “So, are you enjoying your first time here in Manehattan, precious?” Rarity asked. “Yeah, but I wanna see more,” Thomas said. “I know, darling, but don’t worry. I have something even better,” Rarity said, as she showed him two tickets for a theater show. “What type of show are we seeing?” Thomas asked. “It’s a surprise,” Rarity replied in singsong.
Meanwhile, at the abandoned store, the Mane 5 were continuing to tidy up the place by sweeping, dusting, and mopping. “Man, this is almost like the time we helped clean up the Castle of the Two Sisters, ain’t that right?” Applejack asked. “Totally,” Rainbow Dash said. “Maybe we can surprise Rarity... with a fashion show themed party!” Pinkie Pie said. “I think that’s a good idea, but we better ask somepony to help make some adjustments, like some clothes and dresses,” Twilight said.
Fluttershy went to her animal friends to ask them, “Umm... I know you’re all trying to get some relaxing time, but if you’re not that busy... I’d like to ask you all just one favor for me.” After Fluttershy explained everything, the animals were delighted to help.
Pinkie Pie saw DJ-Pon3 with her huge boom box, and then went to talk to her, “Umm... I know I’m trespassing, but is it okay if I ask you a hugely teensy request for you?” DJ-Pon3 nodded in agreement.
Rainbow Dash came back with some fashion ponies, “Okay, so the reason I called you here is because our friend Rarity is counting on us to make the place look fashionable, so if you agree to help and show us what you’ve got on the fabrics, you’ve got the job.” The fashion ponies nodded in agreement and worked on the sewing and stitching with the animals as they used their instincts to help make the clothes. Twilight then sorted every dress and other set of clothes in a pile on each rack.
Later on, Rarity and Thomas, who rode on her back, were walking down the street of Manehattan and enjoying themselves after seeing the show in the theater. “That was beautiful, Auntie Rarity. Can we see another one like that next time we come?” Thomas asked. “Of course, precious. I’m always happy to take you anywhere that makes you happy,” Rarity said. They then walked back over to the store, and then they saw that the place was fully decorated with lots of fashionable decor and dresses. “What’s all of this?”
“SURPRISE!” they all shouted in unison. “I... I don’t believe it,” Rarity said, as she gazed at all the beautiful setup in awe. “You actually did this... with help?” Rarity then made a sad browed warm smile. “Do you like it, Auntie?” Thomas asked. “You were in on this, darling?” Rarity asked, as he climbed down. He then held her hoof, “We wanted to make it a surprise for you, so they asked you to watch over me and take me for a stroll around the city as a distraction so they can take care of everything.”
Rarity smiled warmly when tears in her eyes, and then she hugged Thomas against her soft warm groomed chest, and then she kissed the top of his head. “Thank you all, especially you, my darling little nephew, for helping me,” Rarity said, as Thomas gently pressed his cheek against her chest, listening to her heartbeat. “Aww, it was nothing!” Pinkie Pie said. “Now, let’s got this boutique grand opening party started! DJ-Pon3, could you cue the music?!” The DJ pony nodded and played some soft party music, and then the room started glowing with everypony entering the shop, and then Rarity held Thomas in her hoof and then made her announcement, “Rarity For You is now open for business!”
The morning sun rose up from beyond the horizon of the hill and bathed Ponyville with a warm morning breeze, and then it glistened in the bedroom where Thomas was sleeping underneath the comfort of the warm, cozy blankets of Fluttershy’s bed. He suddenly felt a hoof softly nudge his shoulder, and heard a familiar soft voice, “Thomas. It’s time to wake up, sweetheart.” Thomas then blinked his eyes open and then made a big soft yawn, until he saw Fluttershy, his mother smiling at him. “Good morning, Momma,” he said softly with exhaustion. “Aww... were you really tired?” Fluttershy asked cutely as she brought him over for a hug. “Mmhmm,” Thomas said, as he yawned again, then she hugged him closer towards her chest and gave him a soft kiss on the top of his head and softly rubbed his shoulder as he squished himself closer underneath his mother’s embrace. “By the way... I’ve been thinking about something. Would you... like to go with me to Cloudsdale and visit my parents?” Fluttershy asked, until Thomas nodded while listening to her heartbeat.
“Can we have breakfast there?” Thomas asked. “Yes, we can. Now get dressed and meet me in the living room. I asked your Auntie Twilight to do the spell on you again,” Fluttershy said, as she broke the hug and then went downstairs to pack her saddlebags. Thomas came out wearing his royal blue ringed shirt, a new jacket, but in sports gray and with a dark green and black plaid pattern, and he had his dark blue jeans. He packed his books, crayons, and his teddy bear. Thomas met his mother downstairs, and he then saw his Auntie Twilight standing there. “Hi, Auntie Twilight,” he said as he gave her a morning hug. “Good morning to you, sweetie. Did you sleep well?” Twilight replied. “Yeah, I did.” Thomas said. “That’s a nice jacket you have. Did Auntie Rarity make it for you on your birthday?” Twilight asked. Thomas nodded, and then he was ready for the cloud walking spell, and then Twilight did it the same way she did it before, with a deep breath and concentration. After a few seconds, Thomas felt unharmed, and then he suddenly walked over to Fluttershy and climbed onto her back.
“Okay, sweetie. Let’s go visit your grandparents,” Fluttershy said, and then Thomas held onto her and they flew up to Cloudsdale.
When they got there, Thomas saw a small house that looked like a crystal building in the Crystal Empire, but it was a little bit smaller. It also had a small shed next to it. “Do your parents live there, Momma?” Thomas asked. “Of course, sweetheart. Now, when they say hello, just stay calm and I’ll explain to them about you, okay?” Fluttershy said. Thomas nodded and then he stood next to her, and then he felt safe when he realized he could walk on the clouds again. After Fluttershy knocked on the door, a voice was heard. “Come in,” another soft female voice said. When they came inside, Fluttershy saw two ponies she knew as a filly. One sitting on the couch was her mother, Mrs. Shy, and the one on the couch reading a book was her father, Mr. Shy.
Mrs. Shy had pale light grayish amber fur, a curly and bobbed moderate raspberry mane and tail, moderate cerise eyes, grayish teal glasses, a golden pearl necklace and two gold flower earrings, and her flank had a cutie mark of three colorful flowers.
Mr. Shy had pale light grayish malachite green fur, a swirling light grayish amaranth mane and tail with a mustache, grayish turquoise eyes, a grayish blue sweater, and his flank had a cutie mark of three small clouds.
“Mom, Dad, we’re here,” Fluttershy said. Her parents looked at her, and then Fluttershy went to hug her mother, until her father joined in. “How are you, dear?” Mrs. Shy asked. “I’m doing good, Mom,” Fluttershy said. “My animals are behaving so well.”
“Well, glad to hear it, Fluttershy,” Mr. Shy said. Fluttershy blushed softly, until she forgot something, “Oh, by the way, he’s a little shy, but I have somepony I’d like you both to meet.” She turned her head over to Thomas’s level and nuzzled her head on her tail where he was hiding, “It’s okay, baby. You can come out and say hello to your grandparents.”
After Thomas appeared and then stood by Fluttershy, Mrs. Shy gasped in happiness, and then trotted over to him, “Oh my gosh! Fluttershy dearie, he’s so cute!” She carefully wrapped a foreleg around Thomas and pulled him into a warm hug, “You’re more adorable than I thought you would be.” Thomas enjoyed the cozy feeling of his grandmother’s warm and soft chest fur, and then he started hearing her heartbeat.
“He is also a pretty handsome young sprout if I do say so myself,” added Mr. Shy before gently rubbing his new grandson’s back. Fluttershy softly giggled, “Mom, Dad, this is my son, and your new grandson, Thomas.”
Thomas looked up at his grandmother and then spoke softly, “It’s nice to meet you, Grandma.” Mrs. Shy was touched by his politeness, and then she smiled warmly at him. “You’re very sweet, Thomas. It’s nice to meet you too.” She then leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead. He then looked at the golden pearls around her neck, “I love your necklace, Grandma.”
“Thank you, dear,” Mrs. Shy said, and then she lifted him up and held him with one foreleg against her chest so he can reach for her necklace, and then he rested his head on her neck and then placed one hand on her necklace and the other around her chest.
“Mom? Dad? Thomas was also wondering if we could join you both for breakfast this morning,” Fluttershy said. “Of course you may,” Mrs. Shy said, while she kept hugging her grandson, until she looked down at him. “Would pancakes sound good? Along with some tea for us?”
Fluttershy nodded, then her mother spoke up again but to her little grandson, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll make you some hot cocoa with some nice marshmallows to go with your pancakes, okay?” Thomas nodded, “Can I have some blueberries in my pancakes?”
Mrs. Shy giggled as she carried him to his chair and let him sit down. “Of course, dearie.” She kissed him on the cheek and then gave him some paper to draw on, and then took out his crayons. While he was drawing, Mrs. Shy continued to cook his breakfast, along with everypony else’s in a big frying pan. “So, Fluttershy... how did you meet this young lad?” Mr. Shy asked. “Well, it’s a long story, Dad,” Fluttershy said, then she told them about his horrible life in the orphanage, and then how she found him, how he met some of the ponies in Equestria, and how well he’s doing in school and all of Equestria.
Mr. and Mrs. Shy felt sorry for his poor time in the orphanage, and then when Mrs. Shy came over with a huge plate of pancakes for them all, and one for Thomas, that was covered in syrup and whipped and creamy butter, and had delicious blueberries inside, she gave him a hug. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that, dear,” she said. “It’s okay, Grandma. I’ve pretty much gotten over it anyway,” Thomas said. Mrs. Shy nodded and then gave her grandson his marshmallow filled hot chocolate to go with his blueberry pancakes, and then after everypony was situated, they all began to eat together as a family. “We’re so happy that you could come over to visit your father and me, Fluttershy,” Mrs. Shy said. “I’m glad you think so, Mom. And thank you for giving my precious little one a warm welcome,” Fluttershy said. “Anytime, Fluttershy. Anytime,” Mr. Shy said. Thomas then thought of something, “Grandma, what do you and Grandpa do for a living?”
“Well, little fella. Your grandma is a gardener,” Mr. Shy said. “That’s right, meaning I like to keep my flowers in good health,” Mrs. Shy said. “And I’m a retired weather factory worker, meaning I collect clouds,” Mr. Shy said, then he pointed at the back house, and then Thomas saw a lot of jars that had miniature clouds in them. “Wow...” Thomas said. Mr. Shy then spoke up, “So as you can see, I converted the back house to showcase my cloud collection. So other than that, Fluttershy. I have my clouds, your mother has her flowers, and you have your animals, and your son to look after, but your brother...”
“Well, Zephyr Breeze has his... interests,” Mrs. Shy said, as she nervously laughed. “Who’s Zephyr Breeze?” Thomas asked. “He’s my little brother. He’s also a little bit... lazy sometimes, but he tries to make a living like we kindly ask him to do,” Fluttershy said. “That sounds like someone I don’t want to make friends with. No offense, Grandma,” Thomas said nervously. “It’s alright, sweetheart. If it bothers you, we can always take you somewhere else in the house where he won’t scare you,” Mrs. Shy said. Thomas nodded, then he put his plate and mug in the sink, and then he got out and hugged his teddy bear.
“My, what an adorable stuffed bear you have, dear,” Mrs. Shy said. “Thanks. He’s my Snuggle Bear, and I’ve had him when I was a baby. But I don’t remember my real mother...,” Thomas said, until he looked sad with tears in his eyes. “Aww... would you like a hug from grandma, dumpling?” Mrs. Shy asked with a worried tone, and then Thomas got up and went over, and then sat on his grandma’s lap until she used one foreleg to hug him gently. “So, the thing about Zephyr Breeze, is that he’s matured a lot since then.”
“Actually, it’s funny you bring Zephyr up...” Mr. Shy said, nervously smiling. “Oh no... He’s done it again, hasn’t he?” Fluttershy asked in disappointment. “It’s just for a little while, dear. ‘Til he gets back on his hooves,” Mrs. Shy said, while comforting Thomas in a nice, warm hug, and then the small child comfortably leaned against her chest fur while hugging his teddy bear and hearing her heartbeat. “You don’t mean... He is... Oh no,” Fluttershy said, until the door opened an revealed a tall legged teenager pegasus colt with pale light grayish aquamarine fur, a pale light grayish gold braided mane and tail, grayish cerise eyes, facial hair on his face, and his flank had a cutie mark of a breezing feather.
“Guess who’s home! That’s right, big sis, it’s your one and favorite little brother, moi,” he said dramatically. Fluttershy face planted her hoof into her forehead with a frustrating groan. Thomas suddenly whimpered and hugged his grandma until Mrs. Shy rubbed his back with one hoof to calm him down while she had the other around his shoulders. “Hi, Flutterbutter! How’s the bestest big sister ever? Hey, where’s the love? How about a little excitement to see your baby brother?” Zephyr said uncomfortably greeting his sister, causing Fluttershy to feel annoyed and uncomfortable with his behavior, until he went to tightly hug his parents, without noticing Thomas hiding in his grandmother’s hugging hooves and listening to her heartbeat.
“I’m just surprised. When you left, you said mane therapy was your calling,” Fluttershy said. “Oh, it is, sis, it is. You would totally not believe how much stress a lot of ponies hold in their manes,” Zephyr said, touching his sister’s mane. “Everything gets limp and unmanageable. Uh... no offense, but brushing it alone won’t solve the problem.” He the playfully braided Fluttershy’s mane into his braided bun, until she reset it to its original state and brushed it out of her face with her hoof.
“What went wrong?” Fluttershy asked in disappointment. “Nothing went wrong, per se,” Zephyr said, until he showed her a book of mane styles. “See this? It’s just the powers that be were so locked into their required styles, and hey, you know me. I’ve got my own style. And I think they were a little threatened.” He then showed them his model of a custom made mannequin mane style made of leaves and many strands of hair. “O-Oh, this is... umm... quite lovely, dear,” Mrs. Shy said with a nervous laugh and smile.
Zephyr Breeze suddenly saw Thomas hugging his grandmother’s chest while she held him in one hoof. “Oh sweet Celestia! What kind of beast is that?” Zephyr Breeze asked causing Thomas to feel scared again as he hid underneath his grandmother’s hug and softly began to cry. “Zephyr Breeze! You do not speak to my son that way!” Fluttershy said angrily, until Zephyr Breeze sighed. “Ouch. Cut right in the heart. I now fly into the abyss... while I find someplace to redecorate! I mean this place could use some... Drab!” He then walked over to the living room. “Mrs. Shy chuckled nervously, “Heh. I-I, eh...”
“We have been meaning to redecorate...” Mr. Shy said. “Dad, please. When I get all my stuff back in here, you won't even remember what this boring old place looked like!” Zephyr said, and then he started remodeling the living room as Thomas snuggled with his grandmother’s chest fur.
Fluttershy growled in anger and frustration, then she walked over to Thomas and held him against her chest. “Shhhhhh... it’s okay, baby. Momma’s here. Momma’s here,” she said as she rubbed his back and he then shook and whimpered. “Mom? Dad? Can I talk to you for a moment?” They both nodded and went someplace private while Fluttershy held her little colt in one foreleg and he buried himself against her chest fur. “What is it, honey?” Mrs. Shy asked. Fluttershy kissed her son’s forehead and then looked at her parents and spoke up while she gently rocked Thomas, “I’m not so sure if letting Zephyr move back home might be a good idea. I know you both want to help him, but don’t you remember last time he did?”
“I know, but Zephyr’s just trying to find himself a place to stay, dear,” Mrs. Shy said. Fluttershy sighed, “I know. It just seems like his place always has to end up being your place. And then he maybe makes you do everything for him.”
“Ah, don’t you worry, Fluttershy. We know how to handle ourselves and stand up for each other,” Mr. Shy said. “But don’t you remember how he reacted towards your grandson? Can’t you see that’s he’s scared of Zephyr?” Fluttershy asked, showing them whimpering and shaking while hugging his teddy bear. “Now he’ll never be able to sleep during the night.”
“Aww... the poor dear,” Mrs. Shy said, as she then reached her hoof out, and then Fluttershy carefully gave her son over to her mother, and then Thomas was held against his grandmother’s soft and warm chest fur. “How about if I read you a story after lunch?” she asked. Thomas nodded and then both Mr. and Mrs. Shy, along with Fluttershy went over to the living room, until they saw Zephyr telling jokes to some of his personal items, “And they were all like, "We love your free spirit, Zeph! And it would be wrong to cage that! Go follow your dreams!" It's all so political. I just could not take it! Oh, hello.”
“Well, maybe if you stuck with it for more than a few weeks...” Fluttershy said. “Sorry, sis, but when something's not the right fit, this pony's gotta fly!” Zephyr said, as he pushed a portrait on the fireplace flume, causing objects to fall off, until he yawned, “Anyway, good talk, my peeps. I am so touched you came to see me, really. I hate to deprive you of my presence, but this breeze needs his Z's.”
“B-B-But... it’s t-t-the middle of the d-d-day,” Thomas said nervously shaking. “I know,” Zephyr said with maracas in the background. “Siesta! I'm just gonna assume you made up my room the way I like it, right, Mom? Oh, I almost forgot! All my stuff is out front. Wanna grab that for me, Pops?” He then made a short laugh, “Thanks.” When he was gone, they all groaned, “Same old Zephyr.” They all then sat down in the living room to calm their nerves while Mrs. Shy was holding Thomas in her right foreleg and he buried himself against her chest.
Later on, after they had a nice lunch of sandwiches and salad, while Mrs. Shy made Thomas a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup and a glass of water, Thomas sat with his grandmother on the couch as she read him a story, while she laid on all four legs, and she let him sit closer towards her chest and hug both his teddy bear and her forehoof. While she read to him, Thomas was amazed by some of the amazing pictures in the book, and it made Mrs. Shy happy. “In case you didn’t know, dumpling, I used to read this to Zephyr when he was a little colt just like you are,” she said. “Wow... no wonder he was like that,” Thomas said. “I know he can be a little reckless and careless of others besides himself, honey, but he tries to make a living,” Mrs. Shy said. Thomas then cried in her chest, until she hugged him, “What’s wrong, Thomas sweetie?”
“I’m sorry if I’m scared of Zephyr Breeze! I just can’t help it!” Thomas said, until Mrs. Shy shushed him and wrapped her wing around him. “That’s okay, sweetheart. You didn’t mean to be scared of him. It’s just who he is.” Thomas looked at his grandmother’s face until she looked at him with a warm smile and then gave him a kiss on the forehead. “Thomas? Why don’t we go water my flowers? I’ll show you how,” she kindly said. “Okay,” Thomas said, after he blew his nose from the tears, and then he carefully climbed onto her back to go outside.
Meanwhile, in Ponyville, Fluttershy flew around in frustration after the way Zephyr Breeze treated her precious little Thomas, until she heard a voice from below. “Fluttershy! It’s me, Pinkie Pie!” she said, and then Fluttershy flew down over to her friends. “You alright, Fluttershy?” Applejack asked. Fluttershy sighed heavily, “It’s my brother, Zephyr Breeze. He’s being the same pony like he usually is, but when he saw my precious little one, he got terrified from my brother’s childish behavior, and he called him a beast.”
“Oh, the poor thing. I’m so sorry,” Rarity said. “But my parents loved him, including my mother,” Fluttershy said. “Aww... how sweet!” Rarity said. “I just don’t know what to do about Zephyr Breeze. I love him but he can be a little bit... messy. He’s never learned to do anything for himself, and I don’t know why my parents keep letting him trot all over the place!,” Fluttershy said. “Hey, maybe you can talk some sense into him, but maybe try to use some of you. Meaning if your parents won’t stand up for themselves, then maybe you can stand up for them,” Applejack said. “You know what? You’re right. I’m going to go talk to him and maybe he’ll understand,” Fluttershy said, then she flew back to her parents’ house.
When she got back, Fluttershy then sighed deeply and before she was about to open the door, she heard a thunderclap from outback. When she went to find out what was going on, she gasped and saw Zephyr Breeze destroying Mr. Shy’s cloud collection and Mrs. Shy’s flower garden while Thomas hid underneath her and hugged her leg. Mr. Shy kept trying to catch each cloud, but Zephyr kept throwing them out until he heard a voice, “ZEPHYR BREEZE!”
Zephyr stopped and looked at Fluttershy looking sternly cross, “Oh, hey, sis! Come to see me work my magic and turn this place from drab to fab, huh?” Fluttershy trotted over to him, “Can’t you see what you’re doing?!”
“Yeah! I’m getting rid of this old stuff so I can turn the back house into my personal art studio! I’ve decided I’m gonna be a sculptor!” Zephyr said. “No! I’m talking about Mom’s flowers!” Fluttershy said. “Don’t worry about that! She’s gonna move them so I can have my meditation patio here. She loves replanting stuff. Don’t you, Mom?” Zephyr said, until Mrs. Shy felt sad about her flowers. “And Dad’s been collecting his favorite bits of cloud from the factory ever since you were born,” Fluttershy said. “Yep. The very best from every production run since my first day on the job,” Mr. Shy said, until he gave Thomas one of them for him to keep. “I’m sorry, Grandma,” Thomas said. “I just wanted to spend some time with you both so I can get to know you, but now I’ll never get that chance because he ruined it.” Thomas then began to cry, until Fluttershy got more angry while Mrs. Shy comforted her grandson. “Zephyr, look. You can’t just fly in and change everything Mom and Dad have built here. And I was really happy for them to have some time with their adorable grandson.” Fluttershy pointed at Mrs. Shy comforting her grandson who was hiding behind her left leg by stroking his hair gently.
“Oh, I know, but this is the only place big enough for my studio/meditation garden. Ooh! Unless I do it in the living room!” Zephyr said. Fluttershy shook her head with a heavy sigh, “Mom, Dad, I know speaking up for yourself is hard, believe me, but the truth is that Zephyr will never stand on his own if he keeps leaning on you.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, sis! Mom and Dad just wanna let me be me! Right? Besides, I can do everything on my own,” Zephyr said. “I agree. Which is why you should move out,” Fluttershy said. “I’m sorry, but if you want to find something to do for yourself, you’ll have to move out and find someplace else to live.”
“What are you talking about?! I mean I totally would, but I don’t think it’s what Mom and Dad would want, right?” Zephyr Breeze asked nervously. “You know we love you, son,” Mr. Shy said. “But I’m afraid she’s right, dear,” Mrs. Shy said. “It was also a perfect day to have some time with Fluttershy’s sweet little colt who we’d love to have as our grandson.”
Thomas smiled softly at what he heard his grandmother say, and then he walked out and gave her a hug around her chest, until Mrs. Shy hugged him back. Zephyr Breeze then started tearing up, “Oh... Sure. I mean, I really just came back here to keep you guys company, but... whatever’s best for the family. I guess moving out’s best. I’ll just... just grab a few essentials.”
“Are you sure you have somewhere else to go, sweetheart?” Mrs. Shy asked. “Oh, of course! There’s plenty of ponies who’d love for a little breeze to blow their way...” Zephyr Breeze lied nervously, and after he went upstairs, they heard him crying.
Mr. and Mrs. Shy felt sorry for their son, until Thomas then unexpectedly went inside to find a yellow pages book, and then he looked up for places in Equestria, until he then wrote a letter to Diamond Tiara’s father for a favor.
At dinner, with a serving of pasta with creamy pesto sauce and some steamed carrots, broccoli and cauliflower on the side, Zephyr barely touched his food because of what his family said to him. Thomas was still scared of him, but felt sorry for his pain while he ate his salad. “Thomas? Are you feeling okay, dumpling?” Mrs. Shy asked. “I’m fine, Grandma. I just feel kinda bad about Zephyr,” Thomas said. “Well, don’t be! I don’t blame you anyway,” Zephyr said. “Zephyr, be nice to my son,” Fluttershy said. “No, Momma. He’s right. It’s my fault. If I haven’t gotten scared of him...” Thomas was cut off by a comforting hug from his grandma. “Shhhhhh... There, there, dearie. You never meant to hurt him,” Mrs. Shy said. “Mom? When he’s done eating, could you give him a bath?” Fluttershy asked. “Of course, honey. I’d love to,” Mrs. Shy said.
After dinner, Mrs. Shy turned off the faucet and then the bathtub was full of water and clouds of bubbles, “Alright, dear. In you go.” Thomas was then put into the tub and Mrs. Shy let him play for a few minutes, and then she came back and got him all scrubbed and clean with the soapy sponge, and then after he Thomas dunked himself into the water to rinse the soap off, he reached out his arms so that his grandmother can lift him out off the tub and cover him in a towel. When Thomas was all dry, he put on his favorite blue star covered pajamas.
Mrs. Shy then carried her grandson downstairs, and then she gave him to Fluttershy. After Thomas was wrapped in his blanket he got for his birthday, Fluttershy held him in a cradle and gently rocked him to calm him from Zephyr’s behavior. “Are you enjoying yourself spending time with your grandparents?” she asked. “Mmhmm. Grandma’s very sweet like you are,” Thomas said. “Yes. That’s because she loves us very much and always will,” Fluttershy said, until Mrs. Shy gave him a small plate full of cookies and a glass of cold milk, and then when he was placed on Fluttershy’s lap, he took them both and ate his cookies by dunking them into the milk or eating them dry, and drank his milk after each bite or when he finished each cookie. “Momma?” Thomas asked, when he finished his snack. “Yes, sweetheart?” Fluttershy asked, after Mrs. Shy took the plate and glass to the kitchen and came back. “I kinda did something that might make you mad, but can you please promise me you won’t yell at me?” Thomas said. “Of course, sweetheart. Now, tell me what you did,” Fluttershy said, after she placed both of her hooves on his back and shoulders.
“I kinda wrote a letter to Diamond Tiara’s daddy for a small donation of bits for Zephyr so he might have some for himself, and I wrote another letter to an apartment building in Manehattan so that he can find a living space for him. I know you want him to find someplace to live, but I... well... I’m sorry, Momma,” Thomas said, as he leaned his head on his mother’s chest. “Thomas... that was very sweet of you,” Fluttershy said. “Really? You’re not mad?” Thomas asked. “Of course not, dear. Would we ever be angry at our favorite grandson? We’re proud,” Mrs. Shy said. Thomas smiled warmly, and then he suddenly yawned softly and started to get sleepy. “I’ll take him upstairs, dear. You take care of Zephyr,” Mrs. Shy said. Fluttershy nodded and went to go check on her brother.
Fluttershy went towards his bedroom door, she gently knocked on it, “Zephyr? Are you okay in there?” She knocked again, “Zephyr?”
“GO AWAY! I DON’T LIKE YOU ANYMORE!” Zephyr Breeze said. Fluttershy opened the door and saw him hiding underneath his bed whimpering like a little puppy. “Zephyr, I just want to see if you were okay,” Fluttershy said,after she trotted over to him and gently patted him on the head. “We do love you, Zephyr, but we just want you to be taken care of, meaning you’ve got to try to make yourself feel like your ready to go out into the world and enjoy yourself, but you’ve got to make a living,” Fluttershy said, until Zephyr hugged her leg. “Shhhhhh... there, there. By the way, we’ve got a surprise for you, but you’ll find it in the kitchen tomorrow morning. Now get some sleep.” Zephyr nodded and then got himself ready for bed.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Shy took her grandson upstairs to Fluttershy’s bedroom so that he can sleep with his mother, and then she laid him on the bed and tucked him underneath the bedsheets. Thomas then gave his grandma one more hug. Mrs. Shy smiled warmly at him, and then she leaned down and gave him both a warm hug, and then a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, Grandma,” Thomas said. “Goodnight, dear,” Mrs. Shy said, as she blew out the candle and then she walked out of the room. When Thomas felt calm and cozy underneath his blanket, he closed his eyes and fell asleep. When Fluttershy came in, she saw her son sleeping on her bed, she smiled warmly and carefully got underneath the covers.
Thomas suddenly woke up and saw his mother sleeping with him, so he scooted closer to her and curled up towards her side, and then Fluttershy used her wing as an extra blanket for him.
The next morning, Fluttershy woke up and then blinked, and then she looked down and saw Thomas sleeping peacefully, and then she leaned her head down and nudged him gently. “Thomas. It’s time to wake up, my precious little one,” she whispered softly. Thomas then woke up and rubbed his eyes. “Good morning, Momma,” Thomas said. “Good morning, sweetheart,” Fluttershy said softly. “Let’s go see if your grandparents are awake and preparing breakfast for us.” Thomas nodded and then after Fluttershy got out of the bed, she let Thomas climb on her back, and then they went downstairs.
When they arrived, they saw Mrs. Shy frying some eggs and hay hash browns on the frying pan, and making some tea for the four of them, and some hot chocolate for Thomas. Thomas went over to his grandmother and hugged her hind leg. Mrs. Shy felt the tug, and then she looked down and saw her adorable grandson giving her a hug. “Good morning, my little peach,” Mrs. Shy said, as she paused the cooking and gave him a real hug as she brought him closer towards her chest. “Hi, Grandma,” Thomas said, hugging her back. They suddenly saw Zephyr walk down. “Good morning, Zephyr dear,” Mrs. Shy said, as she continued to finish up her cooking. “Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad,” Zephyr Breeze said depressingly. “Zephyr? Since you’ve got nowhere else to go, I thought about giving you someplace to live in this town right here, and I asked somepony to donate some bits for you to have along your journey,” Thomas said, showing him the envelope and bag, and after Zephyr took them, Thomas went to go sit down and then Mrs. Shy finished cooking and then she and Mr. Shy served the breakfast by dividing the hay hash browns and eggs on 5 plates. Thomas received his plate, and hot chocolate with the big marshmallows.
“Thank you, Grandma,” Thomas said. “You’re welcome, sweetie,” Mrs. Shy said, and then she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Blech!” Zephyr Breeze said disgustingly and rudely, until Fluttershy gave him a death stare. “Zephyr Breeze!” Zephyr Breeze giggled nervously, “Just kidding?” Fluttershy shook her head in disappointment, and then they all sat down and ate breakfast as a family.
When breakfast was done, Thomas went to go sit on the couch with his teddy bear, until Mrs. Shy remembered something. “Thomas? Could you close your eyes?” she asked. Thomas nodded and then covered his eyes with his hands, and then she trotted off and came back with something in her hoof. “Okay, dear. Open your eyes,” she said. Thomas opened them and saw a knitted wool sweater in forest green with bluish gray cuffs and a creamy yellow shirt collar. “Grandma... you made that for me?!” Thomas asked. “Your grandpa and I forgot about your birthday, so I made it up to you,” Mrs. Shy said. Thomas then went over to his grandmother and gave her a hug, “Thank you.”
Mrs Shy gave him a kiss on the top of his head, “You’re welcome, dumpling.” Thomas then broke the hug and went ups to get dressed and try on his new sweater. When he came down, he was wearing his new sweater, and then he walked over to his mother to show her. “Momma, look what Grandma made me!” Fluttershy turned around and she saw him wearing his new wool sweater. “Thomas! It’s beautiful! Did you thank her?” Fluttershy said, hugging her son against her soft, warm chest. “Mmhmm,” Thomas said, and then he received a kiss from his mother. “Good,” Fluttershy said.
Later on during the day, Fluttershy and Thomas got ready to go home in Ponyville, but they had to say goodbye to Zephyr before he left for the train station to Manehattan. After Zephyr Breeze left, Thomas went to his grandparents and started with his grandmother by giving her a hug around her neck and resting his head on her chest. “Goodbye, Grandma. It was nice meeting you,” Thomas said. “Aww... Goodbye, Thomas sweetheart. It was very nice to get a chance to meet you,” Mrs. Shy said. She then let him hug her for a couple more minutes, and then she let him go. Thomas then hugged his grandfather, “Goodbye, Grandpa. I’ll never forget you or your cloud collection.”
“There, there, little sprout. I’m sure we’ll see each other again. Fluttershy, if you want, you can either come visit us, or we can come visit you,” Mr. Shy said. “That sounds lovely, dear,” Mrs. Shy said. “I’ll think about it, Dad. By the way, thank you and Mom for giving us company,” Fluttershy said, as she went to her parents for a hug. “You’re welcome, Fluttershy dear. Now you both have a safe journey back home,” Mrs. Shy said. Fluttershy nodded and then leaned down on her forelegs, “Climb on, Thomas. Let’s go home.” Thomas nodded and then climbed onto her back, until she stood back up. “We’ll see you both soon.” Mr. and Mrs. Shy nodded and then Fluttershy took off for home with Thomas on her back.
Take Your Child To Work Day at Wonderbolts Headquarters
The next morning, Twilight got out of her bed and went to the kitchen to get some breakfast, and then she saw Spike making her some coffee with a plate of fried eggs and toast with butter and jam. When her breakfast was ready, she started eating.
After she finished, Spike took her dishes to the sink to get them washed, and then Twilight heard a knock on the door, and then she walked over to answer it. When the door opened, she saw Rainbow Dash standing there. “Twilight, good news! Spitfire just announced that you and I were to come help with some things at the Wonderbolts Academy!” she said. “Wow! I’ve always wanted to try something like that,” Twilight said. “Aww, yeah! It’ll be like...” Rainbow Dash was cut off by another knock on the door. Twilight answered it again, and then she saw Fluttershy standing there, and then she and Rainbow Dash saw Thomas feeling a little sleepy, and he was wearing a new jacket that was a zip-up sports blue sweatshirt with dark grey fuzz underneath, and it had the male Wonderbolts symbol in yellow on the left chest side and his ball cap. “Thomas?” Twilight asked, until she trotted over to him and then held him against her chest. “How are you doing, sweetie?”
Thomas then looked up at her eyes, “I’m doing good, Auntie Twilight.” Twilight smiled warmly with a short nod, and then gave him a kiss on the forehead. “Umm... I realized you two were going someplace, but I was wondering if you could take Thomas with? It’s his school’s Take Your Child To Work Day today,” Fluttershy said. “Take Your Child To Work Day? They don’t do that,” Rainbow Dash said. “It’s for his school, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, while hugging her nephew against her chest. “Right...” Rainbow Dash said. “So, can you take care of him while me, Applejack and Rarity go over to Manehattan for something important?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah, sure,” Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy smiled warmly and then handed Twilight Thomas’s travel bag, “I packed him some snacks if he gets hungry, and his Snuggle Bear teddy.”
“Snuggle Bear?” Rainbow Dash asked. “He told me this. His teddy bear was the one gift he had ever since he was a little baby,” Fluttershy said. “Aww... Well I think it’s lovely,” Twilight said. “Thomas? It’s gonna be a little chilly up in Cloudsdale, so... how about if I let you borrow my Wonderbolts jacket?” Rainbow Dash said, as she gave it to Thomas, and when he put it on, he felt like he was wearing a sleeved blanket. “You look so cute in there,” Fluttershy said. Twilight then performed the cloud walking spell on Thomas while he was snug and warm in the jacket. “Do you feel warm?” Twilight asked. Thomas nodded, and then Twilight levitated him up and placed him on her back, before she tied the sleeves around her neck.
“Okay, let’s head on over! Cloudsdale, here we come!” Rainbow Dash said, as she and Twilight flew off to Cloudsdale. Fluttershy then went back to meet Rarity and Applejack at the train station.
When they arrived at the Wonderbolts HQ, they saw some recruit flyers doing loops. Twilight looked back and saw Thomas still feeling snuggled and warm underneath Rainbow Dash’s jacket, “Alright, bug. When we get there, we’ll take care of the talking.” Thomas nodded, and then he held onto her neck and then she and Rainbow Dash flew over to the training field.
“Alright, newbies! Welcome to trials week for the Wonderbolt Academy!” Spitfire said to the new recruits. “Now just so you know, you’ll be judged on your speed, strength, agility, and technique, culminating in a final evaluation. And I know what you’re asking: Will it be hard? Yes! Will you cry? Maybe. Will you fly so much your wings might fall off? Maybe, maybe not, but that only happened once.” Some of the recruits felt nervous. “So if there aren’t any complaints, you think you’ve got what it takes to be an elite flyer?”
“Yes, ma’am!” they shouted in unison. Spitfire then continued, “Well, lemme tell you all something you might never forget: YOU DON’T! You all got me?!”
“Yes, ma’am!” they shouted in unison. Spitfire then blew her whistle, “Good! Now that we’re done with things, get up there and give me 500 laps! Go, go, go!” The recruits took off like bullets and then did their exercise routine.
Spitfire then smirked, “I love my job.” Thomas then saw many recruits and other professional Wonderbolts flying around. Spitfire then turned around and saw Rainbow Dash and Twilight, with Thomas on her back snuggled underneath Rainbow Dash’s jacket, and secretly wearing something in blue, “Welcome, Princess Twilight. What brings you and Rainbow Dash over here?”
“Official friendship business,” Rainbow Dash said. Spitfire then saw Thomas peeking from behind Twilight’s neck and underneath Rainbow Dash’s jacket, until she trotted over to him and then gently ruffled his hair with her hoof, “Hey, squirt. Good to see you.” Thomas nodded and then gave her a hug. “Thanks. Felt kinda nice,” Spitfire said.
Soarin’, Misty Fly and Fleetfoot then came over, and they were wearing new sweatshirts the same color as their uniforms and they had their uniform symbols as pins on the left side of their chests.
“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” Soarin’ said. “It’s good to see you, Princess Twilight,” Misty Fly said. “Thanks,” Twilight said. “Oh, by the way, we brought somepony special along,” Rainbow Dash said, until Thomas waved at them after she turned herself around.
“Thomas! Hey, bud!” Soarin’ exclaimed. “Oh my gosh!” Fleetfoot said with a soft chuckle. The other three trotted over to the small boy to greet him, until Thomas wrapped his arms around Fleetfoot’s neck, giving her a warm hug until she wrapped her foreleg around him, bringing him closer towards her chest, and then she held him on her hoof.
“How’s our favorite little buddy?” Soarin’ asked. “I’m doing good,” Thomas said. “What are you doing here anyway, cutie?” Misty Fly asked. “It’s Take Your Child To Work Day,” Thomas said. “Then why isn’t your mom here?” Fleetfoot asked. “She’s doing things with Rarity and Applejack in Manehattan,” Twilight said. “So she asked us to take care of him while she’s out,” Rainbow Dash explained. “Oh, I see,” Fleetfoot said, as she continued to hug Thomas as he leaned his head against her chest. “You’re cute when you do that, you know?” Thomas nodded, and then he received a kiss on the forehead from Fleetfoot. “Wow, nice jacket!” Soarin’ said. “Thanks. Auntie Rarity made it,” Thomas said.
“Since we have nothing to do...” Rainbow Dash whispered into Spitfire’s ear about her idea, and then Spitfire acknowledged the idea. “Thomas? How about if we, along with these three and your aunts, give you a tour of the place?” Thomas nodded, and then he looked up at the mare hugging him, “Can I ride on your back, Miss Fleetfoot?”
“Yeah, sure, buddy,” she said, and then Twilight magically placed him onto Fleetfoot’s back. “We’ll be right here, sweetie,” Twilight said, stroking his shoulder. Thomas nodded and then they all started the tour.
While they were walking, Thomas, who was riding on Fleetfoot’s back, saw more of the training field, then he saw the obstacle course, he had a walkthrough of the locker rooms, Spitfire showed him her office, and then he saw the dining hall where they all go to lunch, and Thomas saw Thunderlane cooking over there.
When they walked over to the training field, Twilight and Rainbow Dash were talking with Spitfire while Fleetfoot held Thomas against her chest on one foreleg and he was eating his snack, consisting 2 chocolate chip cookies and some red delicious apple slices in a bag. “So, have you noticed anypony having a hard time with their friends?” Twilight asked. Spitfire thought for a moment, “Not really, but basically it’s my job to worry about their relationships. I’m here to make them elite flyers.” Rainbow Dash sighed, “Adorable. They’re so full of hope and competition. Eh, their technique could use some work, though.”
“You should tell them. I’m sure they’d appreciate any notes from you,” Twilight said. “No way! I wouldn’t want to mess with their confidence,” Rainbow Dash said. “But they’ll never get better if they don’t know what to work on,” Twilight said. “Auntie Twilight has a point you know,” Thomas said. “You said it,” Fleetfoot said. “Well, there’s sloppy wing placement, crooked lines... I guess I’m gonna have to drill them on basic technique in the classroom portion,” Spitfire said. “Classroom portion?” Thomas asked. “Yeah, but the problem is that it’s everypony’s least favorite part of this week, but it has to be done,” Spitfire said.
“Maybe we can help!” Twilight said. “Between Rainbow Dash’s flying skills and my teaching expertise, they could learn a lot! Plus, once they get to know us, they’ll be more comfortable coming to us with their friendship problems!” She then looked at Thomas, who was still being held by Fleetfoot, then she walked over to him for a hug, “But maybe deal with Thomas while we sort this out, if he can behave himself.” Thomas nodded and then Twilight kissed him on the forehead. “So if you’re looking for some trainers, then count us in!” Rainbow Dash said. “Great! Then you have your work cut out for you,” Spitfire said.
Later on, while Spitfire went back to drilling the new recruits, and when Soarin’, Misty Fly and Fleetfoot went on patrol, Twilight and Rainbow Dash were waking together while Rainbow Dash flew slowly. Thomas rode on Twilight’s back while they were walking. “Thank goodness I had time to whip up a few charts on flight patterns and wing symmetry! It’s fresh in my mind from when I learned to fly! This is so exciting!” Twilight said. “You really used that when learning to fly?” Thomas asked. “That’s right, sweetie. I wasn’t a professional like Rainbow Dash was, but I made sure I had some practice,” Twilight said. “Wow,” Thomas said. “Thomas? Since this is “Take Your Child To Work Day,” do you want to draw while we teach?” Twilight asked. Thomas nodded, and then after they entered the classroom, they saw many recruits sitting at their desks.
“Heads up, newbies! Class is in session!” Rainbow Dash said, then snickered. Twilight rolled her eyes, and then entered the classroom, until she lifted her wings up hiding Thomas, “Hello, students. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and that’s Rainbow Dash, and this...” She lowers her wing and put them back in place. “is our nephew, Thomas. He’s going to join us today, but since it’s Take Your Child To Work Day.”
They all made an awwwwww at how cute he looked, causing him to blush nervously. Twilight then placed him with Rainbow Dash so she can keep an eye on him, and then she gave him some paper to draw some pictures on, and then she went back to the chalkboard, “Okay, so we’re here to go over basic flying technique.”
Suddenly, they heard a groan, and Rainbow Dash spoke up, “Alright, who said that?!”
“Me,” said a voice. Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Thomas and the entire class turned and saw a male pegasus with moderate cerulean blue fur, a light sea green zappy mane and tail with very pale streaks, light sea green eyes, and his flank had a cutie mark of a golden streaked lightning bolt. “I mean, we’re here because we’re amazingly awesome crazy-good flyers. And we’re way past basics,” he said. Thomas then hid underneath Rainbow Dash’s hug, “Who are you?”
“Sky Stinger. What? You’ve never heard of me?” Thomas shook his head. “He set the record for the fastest vertical acceleration rate, but in 500 ft in 2 seconds,” said a raspy female voice. She was a pegasus mare with light chartreuse greenish gray fur, a cloud-like curly mane and tail in multicolored streaks of light cyanish gray, light emerald greenish gray, and very pale apple green, pale light grayish turquoise eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a golden yellow star with a wiggly trail.
Thomas then realized, “Whoa...” Rainbow Dash and Twilight weren’t impressed. “That’s, uh... pretty impressive,” Rainbow Dash said. “I know. It’s amazing,” the light green mare said. Twilight then cleared her throat, “It is, and we can talk about personal records later after class, Ms...?”
“Oh, my name’s Vapor Trail,” she said. “She’s my wingpony. I never fly without her,” Sky Stinger said. Thomas was shocked, until Rainbow Dash spoke up, “But you’ll have to in the solo trials.” Vapor Trail was nervously shocked about what she heard, “There are...” She gulped nervously. “...solo trials?”
“Yep. It’s a part of your final evaluation,” Rainbow Dash said. Thomas suddenly felt a little worried about Vapor Trail. Sky Stinger scoffed, “We’ll ace that test with our wings tied behind our flanks. My picture will even go up there, right next to yours.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, “That’s a mighty big claim, considering everypony here is an amazingly awesome crazy-good flyer.” Sky Stinger leaned back on his chair, “I know.” Twilight then cleared her throat, “Okay! Let’s get back on track.” Everypony was now ready for her lesson while Thomas continued to draw some money pictures, then Twilight started the lesson, “Now, who can tell me the best wing angle to achieve minimal air resistance?”
Thomas then continued to draw more pictures, until he got sleepy, causing him to lean back towards Rainbow Dash’s soft barrel and belly. She looked down with a warm smile, and then wrapped her forelegs around him for a hug while she listened to Twilight’s lesson. Thomas felt warm underneath his aunt’s embrace until he started hearing her heartbeat as it put him to deep sleep.
After class ended, the recruits wandered off to practice or go enjoy themselves, until Rainbow Dash and Twilight came out, while Rainbow Dash carried Thomas in one foreleg. “Well, there weren’t any hiccups, but overall, that went pretty well,” Twilight said. “Yeah, looks like nopony fell asleep, except this little guy,” Rainbow Dash said, as Twilight saw him snuggled against Rainbow Dash’s chest fur with his small form rising up and down as he was slowly breathing. “Aww... guess that lesson tuckered him out,” Twilight said. “Looks that way,” Rainbow Dash said, until she saw Thomas slowly opening his eyes. “Oh, he’s waking up!” Thomas then rubbed his eyes and stretched his body, removing the stiffness from his bones, “Hi.”
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Twilight softly asked. “Yeah, I’m fine,” Thomas said. “Was I asleep?” Twilight and Rainbow Dash nodded, “Sorry.” Twilight gave him a kiss on the forehead. Twilight then began talking to Rainbow Dash about the class, while Thomas saw Sky Stinger flying with Vapor Trail, but he saw her casting a wind gust underneath Sky Stinger secretly as he did some loops, causing him to feel more worried. “Thomas? What’s up with you, bud?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I think we’ve just found our problem,” Thomas said as he pointed at what he just saw, and then it caused Twilight and Rainbow Dash to feel worried, too.
“I don’t believe it! Vapor just created a gust of wind that caught Sky’s wing at a 45 degree angle, propelling him into a flipping loop!” Twilight exclaimed. “Sky doesn’t even realize that he’s not amazingly awesome at all!” Rainbow Dash said. “You’re right, sweetheart. Looks like we‘ll have to deal with this our way!” Twilight said. “We gotta warn somebody!” Thomas said. “No!” Rainbow Dash said. “But I don’t want them to look bad!” Thomas said. “Thomas! Don’t worry. We’ll talk to Vapor Trail about this,” Twilight said.
After practice, Vapor Trail was tired out and Sky Stinger felt stretched and pumped up, “Ah, yeah, I totally nailed that flipping loop. I’m actually surprised you’re still here.” Vapor Trail was out of breath, “You were... great, Sky.” Spitfire came over, “Come on, Vapor Trail! You’re gonna have to build up your endurance a little more faster if you want a shot at the Academy!”
“Sorry, I’ll... try my... my best,” Vapor Trail said, as she was still out of breath. “Hey, we’ll keep working, and who knows? One day, we might even fit in, and you’ll come close to being as good as me,” Sky Stinger said. “Thanks, Sky,” Vapor Trail said. “Whew, I’m beat. I’m gonna go hit the showers.” Sky Stinger then went to get a drink of water. Thomas then began to feel more worried about their relationship problem. “We have to help them,” Thomas said. Rainbow Dash and Twilight both nodded in agreement, and then they went over to check on Vapor Trail.
Meanwhile, in the locker room after a nice warm shower, Vapor Trail dried herself off and then went to her locker. “Vapor Trail?” a voice said. It was Rainbow Dash, along with Thomas riding on Twilight’s back. “Can we talk?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, why?” Vapor Trail asked. “We know you’ve been hiding something, but we just want to make sure if you’re okay,” Twilight said. “I’m fine. Why?” Vapor Trail asked. “Look, the point is... we know you’ve been helping Sky Stinger. We’re worried about you,” Twilight said. “What? I don’t know what you’re talking about! Sky doesn’t need anypony’s help. He’s amazing,” Vapor Trail said nervously. “Please, just tell us. We don’t want you to feel bad. We just want to help you,” Thomas said. “Aww, who’s this?” Vapor Trail asked, as she walked over to him and then softly ruffled his hair. “Does this little cutie have a name?”
“This is our nephew, Thomas. You may not know, but he was in the classroom earlier, and he’s also the adopted son of our friend, Fluttershy,” Twilight explained. “She’s been taking good care of him ever since she adopted him, but that happened when he was 5. He recently turned 6 a couple of days ago,” Rainbow Dash said. “Aww... that’s so cute!” Vapor Trail said. “Do you want to hold him?” Twilight asked. “Sure,” Vapor Trail said, and then she went over and lifted the small child off his aunt’s back and held him against her chest with one foreleg. “He’s very shy, but he has a big heart,” Twilight said, then Vapor Trail saw him giving her a hug around her neck, causing her to softly blush. “Look, Vapor Trail. We’re not mad. We just want to know what’s going on with you two.”
“Why do you keep asking?” Vapor Trail asked. “Because it’s gonna be pretty obvious during the solo trials when he get enough air to do a flipping loop,” Rainbow Dash said. Vapor Trail then started to freak out, “Oh, no! I can’t let that happen! I mean, ah, uh... Aw, sugarcubes!” Thomas then softly rubbed her chest to calm her nerves, “It’s okay.” Vapor Trail smiled warmly with another rosy pink blush on her cheeks, “Aww... you’re so sweet. Thanks, sweetheart.” She then leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead. “I know you’re tired of asking, but why are you doing this for him?” Twilight asked. “We just want to help you both be better,” Thomas said.
Vapor Trail sighed as she was still holding Thomas against her chest, until she sat down on a bench and then held Thomas in a cradle so that she wouldn’t upset him, “Okay, the truth is... ever since we were foals, Sky grew up with a lot of siblings. It was really tough for him, because he was always trying to get his parents’ attention. Meanwhile, I was an only child who hated the embarrassment type of attention that I got from mine. But ever since I first helped him with his first flipping loop, I realized that he was so proud of himself, so I rolled with it. Flying together gave us both what we wanted! But I never got a chance to tell Sky about how much I’ve been helping him. It only started with a small boost here or a little gust of wind there, but I didn’t think my help could’ve actually been hurting his chances and make him look like a failure.”
Thomas then hugged her again, “I know what that feels like.” Vapor Trail looked at him confusingly, “You do?” Thomas nodded, and then Twilight told her his past life before he came to Equestria. When she finished explaining, Vapor Trail suddenly felt sorry for Thomas, until she changed his position and held him with two of her forelegs and gave him a proper hug. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that, sweetie,” she said, while Thomas rested his head on her shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m just glad to be in my new home and with my new family,” Thomas said, until he softly stroked her mane.
“I’m glad you’re doing good with Thomas, but what matters now is that you and Sky Stinger are both in trouble!” Twilight said. “You need to work on your tricks, and Sky needs to be able to fly without you or else he won’t make it,” Rainbow Dash said. “I know, but he has to! Flying with the Wonderbolts has been Sky’s dream ever since he was a colt!” Vapor Trail said. “Please, think how sad Sky Stinger’s gonna feel if he fails! Don’t you want him to get kicked out and blame it on you?!” Thomas asked while Vapor Trail held him near her chest as he sat on her lap. “What will you do?”
“I... I guess I haven’t thought about it,” Vapor Trail said, then sighed in depression. “I just want to be with my best friend.”
“Then we have to find a way to help both of you,” Rainbow Dash said. “Starting with telling Sky the truth,” Twilight said. “No, you can’t!” Vapor Trail exclaimed. “If you do, then Sky will be crushed! And without his confidence, he won’t fly as well!” She then looked down in sadness, until Thomas hugged her again, “I know this is hard, but he has to know, otherwise he’ll be a laughingstock in Equestria. Don’t you want that to happen?”
“I guess not. You’re probably right, Thomas,” Vapor Trail said, as she softly ruffled his hair with her hoof. “Don’t worry. Rainbow Dash and I came up with a little backup plan,” Twilight said. “Okay, here’s what we do. It turns out Sky thinks he doesn’t need practice, right?” Rainbow Dash said, until Vapor Trail nodded. “So, the point is that he needs to build his strength. Including air drills, wing lifts, and all that other methodical stuff that makes one pony a Wonderbolt.”
“Sounds like my cup of oats,” Twilight said, with a soft giggle. “Instead of physically practicing, we’ll just tell Sky that he should practice with Twilight so you won’t have to feel so self-conscious about getting special training from me,” Rainbow Dash said. “With you? Really?! You’d do that for me?” Vapor Trail asked. “Don’t worry. It’ll probably be a piece of cake,” Thomas said. “Thomas’s got a point, you know. Besides, you say that like it’s gonna be a blast. It should be pretty easy,” Rainbow Dash said. “Then, I’ll do it, for Sky Stinger!” Vapor Trail said. “YAY!” Thomas cheered.
While Twilight helped Sky Stinger study some basic techniques, although he was sleeping and it made Twilight unimpressed and run through some exercises later on, Rainbow Dash, with Thomas sitting on her back, helped Vapor Trail run through some obstacles and some training to help get her speed and strength in good shape.
When she was done, Vapor Trail landed on the ground and then stood up straight. “Okay... YOU WERE AWESOME!” Rainbow Dash said. “Really? Thanks! I can’t believe I was able to keep it up!” Vapor Trail said. “See?! I told you it’d be a piece of cake!” Thomas said. “And you were right, sweetie. You and Rainbow Dash were the best,” Vapor Trail said, until she brought him over for a hug. “I love it when he does that,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Hey, can we switch now? I wanna do tricks with Rainbow Dash!” Sky Stinger said. “You can’t!” Vapor Trail said. “Because it’s not time yet.” Thomas nodded his head nervously. “Heh, yeah right. Like I need to learn the basic nerd stuff,” Sky Stinger said. “Hey, basic stuff is important!” Twilight said. “But you’ve probably gotta practice a little bit! Since you’re pretty much so good at the fancy stuff!” Vapor Trail said. “You’ve got a point there. I don’t need practice at all,” Sky Stinger said, until he saw Vapor Trail holding Thomas against her chest on her hoof. “Who’s the kid?”
“Oh, this is our nephew, Thomas. It’s Take Your Child To Work Day,” Twilight said. “And he was very sweet when he saw me practice,” Vapor Trail said, until she saw Thomas softly blushing. “Are you feeling okay, by the way?” Sky Stinger asked. “Sky, maybe you oughta think about this,” Vapor Trail said. “Relax. I’m already the best and everypony’s gonna know it when I’m asked to join the Academy tomorrow,” Sky Stinger said. “But not if you don’t practice...!” Vapor Trail said. “Heh. I wouldn’t be surprised if they asked me to become a Wonderbolt straight out of the trials,” Sky Stinger scoffed.
“Sky, I want you to get in as much as anypony, and you’re really amazing, but...” Vapor Trail said. “But what? What the matter?” Sky Stinger asked. “SKY, YOU’RE NOT AS GOOD AS YOU THINK YOU ARE!!” Vapor Trail hollered, until Sky was suddenly confused. “I’ve been using wind gusts to make you look popular. I’m sorry,” Vapor Trail said. “Puh-lease! I don’t need your help to make me popular! Watch!” Sky Stinger said, and as he looped the first half, he struggled to do a full one, but he fell down trying to catch his breath. Vapor Trail tried to help him up, but he slapped her hoof, “How can you do this to me? Did you all know about this?” Vapor Trail looked back, and then she, along with the other three nodded in unison. “Oh, great. So everypony but me knows I’m a great big joke! Was this your plan this whole time? To embarrass me?” Sky Stinger asked angrily. “What? No! Don’t you know me at all?” Vapor Trail asked, until Thomas went to Twilight for a hug. Sky Stinger scoffed in disappointment, “I guess not, since it took me this long to find out you’re a terrible wingpony!”
Vapor Trail gasped, along with the others three, and it caused Thomas to shed tears in his eyes, until Twilight hugged him more. “I can’t believe you would think that!” Vapor Trail said. “What’s going on here?” Spitfire asked, as she, Fleetfoot, Misty Fly, and Soarin’ trotted over with some security guards. “Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail are arguing!” Thomas said. “Shhhhhh... it’s okay, bug. We’ll handle it,” Twilight said, until Misty Fly came over, and then Twilight gave him to her, and Thomas sat on Misty Fly’s hoof as she held him against her chest, and Soarin’ came over and softly stroked his back as the boy hugged his Snuggle Bear teddy.
“So you’ve been using wind gusts to make Sky Stinger look popular?!” Spitfire asked. “I didn’t mean to make him feel bad. I just want him to get into the Academy, but he keeps saying he doesn’t need practice. I just want to be with him,” Vapor Trail said as she began to cry like she felt her heart breaking, until Fleetfoot came over and comforted her. “Sky Stinger? Is there something you want to say for yourself?” Spitfire asked as she looked at him sternly.
“If she hadn’t make me look like I was a nopony, this wouldn’t have happened in the first place!” Sky Stinger said. “Alright, I’ve never been so disappointed than this. Vapor Trail, I want you and Sky Stinger to practice hard without helping each other or else you’re disqualified from the Academy. Copy?” Spitfire said. They both nodded, and then Rainbow Dash and Twilight walked over. “We’ll take care of it,” Rainbow Dash said. “You better,” Spitfire said. “And since there’s nothing wrong with it... Fleetfoot, you, Soarin’ and Misty Fly watch over the kid. It’s probably time for him to cool off a bit.” Fleetfoot and the other two nodded, then Soarin’ walked over to his aunts, “Don’t worry about him. We’ll keep an eye on him until they’re ready.” Rainbow Dash and Twilight both nodded, and then when Thomas was comfy in Misty Fly’s hugging hoof, she and the other two walked with them over to the obstacle course to watch Sky Stinger practice after Vapor Trail had her turn.
Thomas still felt sorry for them while he sat on Fleetfoot’s lap and wearing Rainbow Dash’s jacket as a blanket, until he began to cry. “What’s wrong, bud?” Soarin’ asked. “It’s all my fault!” Thomas said, until Fleetfoot hugged him closer to her chest. “What do you mean, little guy?” she asked. “They never shouldn’t have argued because of me. We weren’t trying to make them feel bad! They just wanted to get in the Academy!” Thomas said, until Fleetfoot gently pressed his head on her chest and softly stroked his back. “Shhhhhh... It’s okay, little guy. It’s okay,” Fleetfoot said. “Besides, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Misty Fly said. “So don’t blame yourself for something that you didn’t do.” Thomas nodded, and then he leaned closer towards Fleetfoot’s chest as she continued to calm him down with her hug. “Do you think we can give them a second chance?” Thomas asked, as he wiped his tears with his eyes. “Sure thing, bud,” Soarin’ said. “We’d be happy to help,” Fleetfoot said, until she gave him a kiss on the forehead, causing him to smile softly.
When training was done, Thomas saw Vapor Trail looking let down. “Can you take me over to her?” Thomas asked. “Yeah, sure,” Fleetfoot said, as she stood up and held him on one hoof and then walked over to Vapor Trail. “Are you okay, Vapor Trail?” Thomas asked, after Fleetfoot left him with her. “Oh, hey, Thomas,” she said. “Can I sit with you?” Thomas asked. “Sure,” Vapor Trail said, and then she lifted him up and placed him on her lap. “Are you still upset about what Sky Stinger said to you?” Thomas asked as he softly stroked her chest fur.
Vapor Trail nodded. “Vapor Trail, can you look at me?” Thomas asked, and then she looked at him. “I felt the same way when those bullies at the orphanage picked on me, and when I never got picked for adoption. But you shouldn’t let those words get to you. It’ll only make you feel bad and let you live enough alone, without any friends. All you have to do is do what your heart tells you and then it will guide you in the right direction. I let that guide me when I never gave up hope that I would get a chance to have a family and make some friends. That’s what you should’ve done. But if you’re still feeling let down like recently, you can always talk to Spitfire or some of the other professional Wonderbolts and they’ll listen to you. I promise.”
Vapor Trail smiled warmly at him, and then she brought him over for a hug, “Thanks, sweetie. You really do have a big heart.” Thomas nodded his head, and then Vapor Trail gave him a kiss on the forehead, “That was for telling me to believe in myself.” Twilight and Rainbow Dash were proud of their nephew’s thoughtful words, until some of the other recruits felt happy with how the boy touched Vapor Trail’s heart. “Vapor Trail? I know what I said was wrong. And I’m sorry for that,” Sky Stinger said apologetically. Vapor Trail went over to hug him, “It’s okay, Sky. You’re a good pony, but you just needed a little confidence from others if you want help.” Sky Stinger nodded. “Now, how about if we go try those solo trials?” Vapor Trail asked. “You’re on,” Sky Stinger said.
After a few minutes of practicing and studying, Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail managed to get through the solo trials perfectly while Spitfire took notes and checked her stopwatch. Twilight watched the performance with Rainbow Dash while she held Thomas against her chest.
When they both made a perfect landing, the recruits, along with Rainbow Dash and Twilight, who held Thomas against her chest, cheered and rooted for them. “Congratulations! You’ve both made it to the Wonderbolt Academy!” Spitfire said, giving both Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail gold pins. They both hugged each other.
“Whatever you did, along with your nephew, worked pretty well. They may have a lot of potential, but hey. Who knows? They might even be better as you, Dash,” Spitfire said. Rainbow Dash laughed, “Okay, let’s not get carried away.”
“Thomas, I want to say thank you for helping me believe in myself. You’ve been a good teacher, after your kind words,” Vapor Trail said. Thomas nodded, then he went over to give her a hug. After they broke the hug, Sky Stinger ruffled his hair, “You’ve got guts, kid. Thanks for helping us out.”
Thomas nodded, and then the two ponies flew off, until he saw the sun setting. “Auntie Twilight? I gotta go home now. Momma will be worried about me,” he said. Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire saw the sun was starting to set. “Well, look at that,” Spitfire said. “Don’t worry. I got it covered,” Rainbow Dash said, and then she leaned down on her forelegs, and then Thomas climbed onto her back, “Alright, let’s get you home.” Spitfire stopped them for a second, and then put something on Thomas’s jacket. “I wanted to give you this. A Wonderbolts badge, lead pony style,” she said. Thomas nodded, and then gave her a hug. After that, Twilight and Rainbow Dash flew off to take their nephew home.
After a nice dinner of chicken broth with corn, peas and carrots, and a nice, warm bath, Fluttershy tucked Thomas into bed after a long day. “Did you have fun, baby?” she asked. “Yeah. I helped two recruits with a friendship problem. But I had the best Take Your Child To Work Day ever,” Thomas said. Fluttershy nodded, and then gave him a plate full of cookies and a glass of cold milk, “I got you this if you wanted a snack before sleep.” Thomas nodded, and then he ate his snack while Fluttershy read him a bedtime story. When he was done, the plate and glass were empty, and when Fluttershy finished the last page of the book, she saw her son sleeping. “Goodnight, my precious little one,” she whispered, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. Fluttershy then walked over to the bookshelf and put the book away, and then quietly trotted downstairs, while Thomas slept comfortably in the big soft bed, feeling the warmth of Princess Luna’s moon shining over the sky.
In the royal and elegant city of Canterlot, an important event was about to commence in the ballroom of the castle. Delegates from all over Equestria came over to attend to a momentous occasion. The event was promised to be so important that for the first time in the history of Equestria, all four princesses, including a special little boy were in Canterlot and were going to stay for the duration of the big event.
While waiting for the announcement, the delegates chattered amongst themselves for a little while, and suddenly, their conversations were interrupted by the majestic sound of royal trumpets, announcing the grand arrival of the four princesses. They saw Princess Luna appear, then she spoke up. “Welcome to the Grand Equestria Royal Summit!” she announced proudly. “It is good to see that many of you could attend today.”
Princess Celestia then stepped forward and spoke up next, “All of you fine delegates have traveled far and wide to honorably represent your cities and towns, as we seek to celebrate and learn all the unique places that make up our wonderful land of Equestria. And as a special reward, my adoptive niece, Princess Cadance will dedicate this beautiful friendship statue made up of the finest gemstones from each of your home cities.” The delegates were all gazing in awe at the statue with “oohs” and “ahhs” like they had never had seen anything as beautiful as ever before.
“And we thank you all for taking your time to come and join us,” Princess Cadance spoke up delicately, causing attention to the massive pony like statue made entirely out of different colored gemstones.
Thomas was being held by his Auntie Twilight and she let him play with her mane for a little while. He was also wearing his green flannel shirt that he wore to Applejack’s farm, and he was wearing his charcoal gray hooded jacket and black jeans. “It looks kinda pretty, huh?” he asked. “Yes, sweetheart. It does,” Twilight said.
Princess Cadance then concluded her sentence, “And now, it gives me great pleasure to turn things over to the one pony who organized this summit: my sister-in-law, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” The delegates made a thunderous applause as she put Thomas on the ground and then walked over to the spotlight. She then looked at the audience with baggy eyes from all that work last night.
“Thank you, everypony,” she said, until she yawned. “With delegates from over fifty cities attending three days of conferences, receptions, and meetings, this somehow promises to be the largest Grand Equestria Royal Summit yet. And to be honest, putting it all together has led me to more than one sleepless night. Above all, we’re so excited to have you here and to learn more about life all across this great and sacred land of ours, I hope this will help bring us all closer together.”
The delegates cheered even louder as before, and then Twilight turned around and saw Thomas nervously fidgeting his hands, and hugging his Snuggle Bear teddy. Twilight motioned her hoof into asking him to come stand next to her, and then he walked over, until Twilight lifted him up with her magic and placed him on her foreleg, holding him against her chest. “And now, if it pleases you, I’d like to present our special guest for tonight: my nephew, Thomas Mercer Shy!”
“Um, hi,” Thomas said. “If it’s okay, I’d be honored to join my aunties’s ceremony.” A few delegates exchanged concerning whispers, and some were adoring him. “My, what an adorable creature he is!” said a delegate female voice. Thomas blushed at her comment. Another delegate from Canterlot kinda looked at him like he was different, but he probably didn’t care, “No offense, but I want to see Princess Twilight more than just some random kid,” he said rudely. Thomas felt offended by the comment.
More of the Canterlot and Cloudsdale delegates began to chant, “We love you, Princess Twilight!” And soon, more of the other gathered delegates started to shout, “We all love the princesses!” They then clapped and cheered together, and it made Thomas sad. He unexpectedly climbed off Twilight’s hoof and, then turned and walked sadly away looking like he was about to cry.
‘Poor baby,’ Princess Cadance thought to herself. ‘Those delegates have some nerve treating my adorable nephew like that! If I wasn’t the Princess of Love, or either Rarity, Fluttershy or Twilight, I’d definitely give them a piece of my mind! Nopony treats Thomas like he doesn’t matter at all! He’s too adorable to be ignored! And he most certainly does matter! But... I better go and talk to him, if I find him.’
Thomas went to Twilight’s tower for some private time, as he hugged his Snuggle Bear teddy closer to his chest. “Why doesn’t anybody accept me? I just want to be happy, like I belong. I do belong here, but I just don’t understand why they ignored me. Maybe I don’t deserve to be at the Royal Summit anyway, no place that they’ll allow a 6 year old boy like me to attend.” Thomas then began to cry as he laid down on the bed and face planted his face on the pillow and cried.
The door suddenly opened and he felt a light pink and golden slippered hoof stroking his back. Thomas then turned his head and saw Princess Cadance standing there with a smile of concern. “Do you want to hug it out?” she asked. Thomas nodded and then he went to the pink alicorn and wrapped himself around her chest and hugged her neck, until he cried in her chest fur. Cadance then held him on one of her forelegs and used her right wing to wrap him as a blanket so he can feel warm. Thomas then felt calm after hearing Cadance’s heartbeat, and she then gave him a kiss on the top of his head.
“Do you feel better, sweetheart?” Cadance asked. “I guess, but what those delegates said about me hurt me, like those bullies at the orphanage,” Thomas said. “Shhhhhh... Just let it out, sweetie. Just let it out,” Cadance said, softly rubbing his back. Twilight then came back, looking more exhausted, “You... feeling okay, Thomas?” Thomas nodded, “What happened to you?”
“Sorry. Last night was so busy I managed to get enough sleep last night,” Twilight said, before she yawned. “Twilight, since the ceremony’s almost ready, why don’t you take some time off and get some rest?” Cadance suggested. Thomas suddenly saw a scroll full of requests, “Wait! Auntie Twilight has some requests by some of the delegates! If she sleeps, we’ll be in big trouble!”
“I know, baby. She’s really worn out from planning the whole summit, but it looks like she might not be able to do the requests. We should let her sleep,” Cadance said, comforting her nephew as she prayed Twilight over to her bed and gently tucked her in. “But what will we do about the delegates?” Thomas asked. “Thomas? Why don’t you take care of that? Me and my aunts will help you,” Cadance said. “You will?!” Thomas asked. “Of course, dear. You’re family as well,” Cadance said, then she leaned down on her forelegs. “Here, climb on.” Thomas nodded and then he climbed over her neck and sat down on her back. Princess Cadance then whistled her hoof into her mouth, and then two guards came marching over after Cadance came out of the main room.
“How can we be of service, your majesty?” the guards asked. “Umm... I know it’s not my job to order you around, but can me and Princess Cadance count on you both to stand guard like you usually do, but outside this tower on this spot right here, and make sure my Auntie Twilight isn’t disturbed? She’s really sleepy,” Thomas said. Princess Cadance then stroked his hands with her hoof, until she continued, “It’s very important that she gets plenty of sleep before tonight’s ceremony. And be sure to tell every delegate that if they need help, they are to go to either me, Princess Celestia, or Princess Luna. Princess Twilight will be unavailable until tonight.” The guards nodded, and then after Cadance quietly closed the door and locked it, Thomas placed his travel bag around his shoulders, and then the guards placed their spears over the door so that nopony could enter.
Princess Cadance then took Thomas for a little flying stroll around across Canterlot so he can get to know the place a little more.
Later on, Princess Cadance was about to stop at a restaurant for lunch.
When they entered the restaurant, Princess Cadance ordered a nice salad, and Thomas ordered some pasta with creamy pesto sauce and a side of broccoli and cauliflower. “So, how’s school going?” Princess Cadance asked. “It’s going good,” Thomas said. “I heard that you went with Auntie Twilight and Rainbow Dash to the Wonderbolts Academy, and you helped solve your first friendship problem on “Take Your Child To Work Day,” Princess Cadance said. “Mmhmm. Spitfire and her team really like me, especially Miss Fleetfoot and Soarin’,” Thomas said. “I’m glad they do,” Princess Cadance said.
“How’s Princess Amore doing?” Thomas asked. “She’s doing well. The crystal ponies are happy to see her, and she’s doing well with my daughter,” Princess Cadance said. “Is Flurry doing okay, too? Any changes?” Thomas asked. “No, she’s fine. Flurry’s very healthy and her magic is in control as always,” Princess Cadance said. “Okay,” Thomas said. “She kinda misses you,” Princess Cadance said. “Yeah, looks like it,” Thomas said, and when he finished his lunch, he and Cadance took another stroll around the town. Thomas then started to feel let down when they got to the castle gardens. “Princess Cadance, if I was a delegate, then what would that make you feel?” Thomas asked. “Oh, well if you were a delegate, I would probably feel a little surprised,” Princess Cadance said. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, because at the ballroom, none of them liked me,” Thomas said. “Is it because... I’m just... a... kid, or that I I don’t belong or... don’t exist at all?”
“No, sweetheart. No. You’re perfectly fine, and you do matter,” Princess Cadance said. “They just don’t know it yet, or probably just don’t care. Most of them are pretty much snobby, but I can assure you that there are others who will treat you well.” Thomas nodded, and then Princess Cadance sat down near a rosebush and laid on all four legs tucked underneath, and Thomas climbed off her back and sat between her forelegs, and then leaned towards her chest and rested his head on her lower neck. “You see, sweetheart. There’s a difference between being a princess and a delegate. Being a princess takes great power, and with that great power, there also comes a greater responsibility for her duties that make good benefits. It’s also an extremely important and difficult task, and it isn’t something to be taken seriously, or it could get you into trouble.”
Thomas nodded, “But I love you and Auntie Twilight being good princesses. I just wanted them to see if I truly belong,” Thomas said. “It’s just not fair.” Princess Cadance then wrapped her wing around him for comfort. “There, there, honey. Like I said, there are some who might accept you, but you’ll have to give them some time to see,” she said. Thomas nodded, and then Princess Cadance continued, “And I know how you feel. But you don’t need to make some offers to please some other delegates to feel important in the world. They’re supposed to represent the will of the cities and towns to elect them, but sometimes even the best of them can help them forget that fact about their intentions of everything.”
“But all the delegates only care about princesses. I’m sick of everyone treating me like I don’t matter!” Thomas said, until he shed more tears. “I am too, Thomas,” Princess Cadance said kindly, after wiping his tears off his eyes. “As important as it is that many delegates be pleased, it’s really annoying that they get help from us. I just wish they could leave us alone for some peace and quiet and try to make more of an effort to try to solve their problems by themselves, because whenever something goes wrong or if they need something, they are always as fast as lightning and then come over rushing to either my aunts, Twilight, or me.”
“Well, you’re all princesses. Can’t you you order them to stop bugging you by asking nicely?” Thomas asked. “I don’t think that’s how it works, darling,” Princess Cadance said with a shake of her head. “Most of these delegates are mostly incredibly stubborn, meaning like they think they’re in charge of everything and everypony around them. They simply believe the princesses are always there to help them out whenever they get stuck on something, which is like all the time, and it’s driving us all crazy! But don’t worry, I know I said this already, some of these delegates that might treat you as one of them are well behaved and well mannered because some are from here, Ponyville, or the Crystal Empire. It’s mostly the delegates from the big cities, like Manehattan, Fillydelphia, or Las Pegasus, that seem to have trouble controlling their own egos.”
“But why?” Thomas asked. “Oh, I wish I knew, but it’s hard to explain,” Princess Cadence unhappily replied with a heavy sigh. “But my guess is that they’ve probably been in power for so long, that they might’ve forgotten what it’s like to not automatically have the authority to make others obey you.”
“How do you handle that?” Thomas asked. “Well, when I was your Auntie Twilight’s age, I was the newest, youngest, and most beautiful princess of them all because I had a special magic: love. I sometimes couldn’t help but get caught up into the big spotlight. I then started to realize that others would somehow crowd all around me whenever I would do something that made them feel happy, and I oftentimes took the advantage of that free publicity towards others. It was really hard,” Princess Cadance said. “Really?!” Thomas asked. “Mmhmm,” Princess Cadance said, then continued. “Fortunately, when I had trouble, both Aunt Luna and Aunt Celestia helped straighten myself out before too long. But ever since I became the Princess of Love, I have strived to do my best to remember that I am not that all powerful as my aunts, meaning I can’t just make ponies or other creatures bow to my will.”
“What do you mean?” Thomas asked. “Do you know why their manes and tails flow and sparkle like they usually do?” Princess Cadance asked. Thomas shook his head. “It’s because they’re immortal, meaning they don’t age like regular ponies do,” Princess Cadance said. “Wow... They’re like goddesses, but as princess ponies?” Thomas asked. “Something like that, but that’s why alicorns are sometimes special,” Princess Cadance said.
“So, if I was a delegate, I wouldn’t be as noble as I thought,” Thomas said. “No, no, no. You’re as noble as you can be, even if you don’t have to be, but you always will be a noble and sweet precious little boy to us, no matter what happens or what they say. And just because some delegates don’t acknowledge the fact I already stated, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or matter. The reason why you’re feeling this way is because you’re listening to your heart,” Princess Cadance said, embracing Thomas with a big warm hug. “But you know what I think would make you noble?”
“What?” Thomas asked. “THIS!” Princess Cadance shouted as she laid him down on the grass and tickled his sides with her hooves, causing him to burst with laughter. “No! No! Stop it!” Thomas screamed, until Princess Cadance blew a raspberry on his belly, causing him to scream and laugh more. She then stopped and let him catch his breath. “Feel better?” Princess Cadance asked. Thomas nodded, and then she lifted him up and carefully placed him on her back. “Thanks, Princess Cadance. I’m glad I had someone like you to talk to. And you always know how to make me feel better, just like Momma does,” Thomas said. “I know, sweetie. And I’m always happy to help,” Cadance said, kissing his cheek and hugging him towards her chest.
While they were walking through outside the castle, they suddenly heard a faint crack, and then the sound of gushing water, and a lot of male voices yelling and shouting. Princess Cadance and Thomas became aware of it, and then after they arrived, there was water flooding everywhere, and the workers tried to stop it. Princess Cadance tried to fly out of the way, until Thomas accidentally fell into the flood, “HELP!” Princess Cadance then lit up her horn and then it sparked into life with its soft light blue aura, until a massive pile of crystals emerged and quickly enveloped the crack of the pipe and covered the water shooting out of it. Princess Cadance then magically lifted Thomas out of the water, and then when the water was drained, she landed on the floor and then one of the workers grabbed both a towel and blanket for Thomas so he can dry off. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” Princess Cadance asked. Thomas nodded as she held him against her chest. “Thank you, Princess Cadance,” one of the workers said. “It was a pleasure, sir. Now, I need to give my sister-in-law’s nephew his bath,” Princess Cadance said as started to walk out, until Thomas saw the statue starting to crumble into the gems it was made from. “No! No, no, no, no, no, no, no! Not the statue!” Thomas said, as he ran to the pile, and touched the gems.
“No... Auntie Twilight’s gonna kill me,” Thomas said, until Cadance softly stroked his back, as he began to cry. Suddenly, the delegates came in and saw the place was trashed. “I say... What happened here?” Fancy Pants asked. “It looks awful,” a delegate said. “I’m sorry, everyone. It’s not my fault,” Thomas said. “What do you mean, little one?” another asked. “Hey, where is Princess Twilight?!” an angry Las Pegasus delegate asked. “Yeah! Where has she been this whole time?!” a delegate from Manehattan asked. They kept arguing, until Thomas started to shed tears, until they saw Twilight come in, and she gasped, “What happened?!”
“That’s what we want to know! Where have you been?!” a delegate asked. “I was asleep,” Twilight explained. “I didn’t get much sleep last night, so I took some time to rest until tonight. So... now I’ve finished explaining, could somepony please explain to me what exactly in the name of Celestia is going on?!”
The delegates rambled and argued demanding explanations at Twilight. Thomas shedded more tears in his eyes, until his sadness soothed into anger, causing him to speak up, “Everybody STOOOOOOOOP!!!” The delegates stopped arguing and looked at Thomas. “You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, asking for help from the princesses with selfish behaviors. You’re supposed to be delegates, not a bunch of big bullies that are in power! I wanted to come here for the Royal Summit because I missed hanging out with my aunts, who are your princesses! Auntie Twilight was really worn out from all that work on the statue, but you never took the time to try to solve your problems by yourselves! You can’t rely on the princesses all the time because they have better things to do than help out on your problems! The summit was supposed to be about all of you coming together as one, not just depend on the princesses! When Auntie Twilight announced me as a special guest, I was really happy to be invited and meet all of you, but this is not the delegates I would like to meet! Because I! JUST! WANTED! TO! HELP!”
Thomas then shedded more tears, until he sat down and began to cry, as all the delegates suddenly began to feel incredibly guilty on how bad they’ve acted towards the princesses and Thomas. Twilight looked at the decor, until she looked at Thomas, who was still crying underneath the towel and blanket. She walked over to him and held him against her chest. “Why are you all wet?” she asked. “He fell in the flood,” Princess Cadance said, pointing at the crystal covered pipe. Twilight then gently rocked her nephew with her foreleg.
“You’re right, young chap. We never should’ve asked them for help. We’ve just taken our popularity for granted,” Fancy Pants said. Thomas looked at the delegates, and then sniffed. “We promise to think about it,” said another delegate. “And if it pleases you... we’d be honored if you joined us tonight,” Fancy Pants said. “Would you like that, mon cher?” Fleur asked. Thomas nodded, and then Fleur gave him a kiss on the forehead. “Thank you for your apologies to my nephew, everypony. And if you don’t mind, I’d like all of you to help make him feel welcome,” Twilight said. The delegates nodded in agreement, and went to go get ready, after they helped fix the statue.
After Thomas had his bath, and put on clean clothes, which were a black and white tuxedo jacket and shirt with black khakis, a cute red bow tie with silver polka dots. Thomas rode on Twilight’s back, and she was wearing a multilayered linen and satin dress in cyan and sky blue. They suddenly saw some familiar faces that they new. It was Rarity in a purple, navy blue and black silk and satin dress with a black collar with a topaz charm on her neck, and navy blue shoes on her front hooves, Fluttershy in her original gala dress that was fixed by Rarity, and Starlight wore a dark sea green and purple light dress made of silk and linen. “Momma!” Thomas said, as he ran over to her for a hug. “Sweetpea!” Fluttershy said, as she held him against her chest on one foreleg. “Oh, Momma,” Thomas said. “Shhhhhh... There, there, sweetheart. There, there. Mommy missed you too,” Fluttershy said, as she stroked him with the hoof that held him. “Are you happy to see us, precious?” Rarity asked. Thomas nodded, “You all have pretty dresses,” Thomas said. “Thank you, darling,” Rarity said.
“But... what are you all doing here?” Thomas asked. “Princess Cadance invited us,” Starlight said. “Now, come on. Let’s enjoy ourselves and meet some of the delegates,” Rarity said.
They stopped at the buffet so Thomas can have some dinner, which consisted a plate full of baked potatoes, mixed vegetables, and pasta. After he finished eating, he went with his auntie to go meet some of the delegates. “Princess Twilight, so delightful,” said a charmingly rustic voice. There was a unicorn couple standing there.
One of them was a unicorn mare with pale light grayish olive fur, a pale light grayish indigo mane and tail, moderate persian blue eyes with moderate cyan eyeshadow, clothing consisting a white polo shirt with a pink scarf, two pink pearl earrings and a cyan pearl necklace, and her flank had a cutie mark of three cyan dollar signs. The other was a unicorn stallion with spring greenish gray fur, a dark gray mane and tail, moderate azure eyes, clothing consisting a green polo shirt with a white scarf, glasses, and his flank had a cutie mark of three white fighter jets.
“Oh, Rarity. How thoughtful to see you here,” said the unicorn mare. “Well, if it isn’t Upper Crust and Jet Set,” Rarity said. “I see you remember us,” Jet Set said. “I know you and Rarity had problems about her being from Ponyville, but it’s actually one of the friendliest places you’ve ever seen. You just haven’t been there,” Starlight said. “True,” Upper Crust said, until she saw Thomas being held in Fluttershy’s hoof. “And what do we have here?”
Thomas then buried himself with Fluttershy’s mane and chest fur, then she patted her green shoe hoof. “Oh, this is my son, Thomas,” she said. “I promise he means no harm towards both of you,” Rarity said. Thomas looked up at the two unicorns. “Hi,” Thomas said softly. “You are... THE MOST PRECIOUS THING I’VE EVER SEEN!!!” Upper Crust exclaimed, as she gently ruffled his hair, and then gently scooted over, and then the child leaned over carefully and hugged her chest as her turquoise bead necklace touched the top of his head. “Aww, and just look how adorable you are! Hahahahaha!” Upper Crust chuckled. Thomas blushed as he rested his head on her chest fur underneath her shirt and necklace. “He does that, and he has a big generous and thoughtful heart,” Fluttershy said. “And that’s why we love him.”
Upper Crust smiled warmly at the colt hugging her, and then she placed her hoof on his shoulder and leaned her head down and gave him a kiss on the top of his forehead. “It was very nice to meet you, little darling. So if you’ll excuse us, we’ll continue enjoying this event,” Upper Crust said. “Come, my dear,” Jet Set said, as he and his wife went off. “I didn’t even know they were into children,” Rarity said. “Guess my precious little one’s cuteness made them have a change of heart,” Fluttershy said as she continued to comfort her son.
“Thomas? Are you enjoying the summit?” Twilight asked. “Yes, Auntie Twilight,” Thomas said. “Good,” Twilight said. “Thomas? Why don’t we go sit somewhere private, precious?” Rarity asked. “Okay,” Thomas said. When they went to a more quiet place in the gardens, they all laid on four legs and gazed at both Luna’s beautiful moon and the stars in the night sky. Rarity also laid Thomas against her chest as he nuzzled with her soft chest fur. “Beautiful, isn’t it? The moon?” Rarity asked. “Yeah, it is,” Twilight said. “Princess Luna does a good job keeping the night nice and quiet for everypony.”
“Indeed. It’s beautiful when it’s quiet at night,” Fluttershy said. “I just wish we could all watch the stars every night,” Starlight said. “Me too,” Twilight said. They all suddenly saw Thomas sleeping in Rarity’s cradle. “Aww, he must be exhausted,” Rarity cooed. “My sweet baby boy,” Fluttershy said, as she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. They continued to enjoy the night as Thomas continued to sleep in Rarity’s forelegs.
The next morning, Fluttershy was up on time and feeding her animals their breakfast. After she fed the ferrets, they ticked her neck with their, tails causing her to giggle. “Aww... you’re welcome,” she said. After a few minutes of feeding time for her animal friends, and feeding Angel, she walked upstairs to go wake up her son. “Momma? I don’t feel so good,” Thomas said in a soft raspy voice. “Are you okay, sweetheart? You don’t sound like you usually do,” Fluttershy asked. Thomas then coughed for a few seconds, causing Fluttershy to gasp in horror. She saw him covered in red spots, his nose red, and him sweating. Thomas was sick!
“Oh no! You’re burning up with a fever!” Fluttershy exclaimed, as she placed her hoof on his forehead to check his temperature. “Don’t worry, baby. After you had your breakfast and a nice bath, I’ll take you to see the doctor,” she said. Thomas nodded, and then she carried him downstairs so he can eat. When he sat down, Fluttershy made him a bowl of porridge with orange juice. After breakfast, Fluttershy helped him with his bath, and then he was wearing his fire engine red jacket, safety green shirt, and chocolate brown pants. When Fluttershy lifted him up and held him against her chest so he can rest and listen to her heartbeat, she left the cottage and carefully walked off to Ponyville so she can take Thomas to go see the doctor.
While walking in Ponyville, Thomas kept coughing. “Thomas, I know you’re sick, but don’t worry. I’m sure the doctor will know what’s wrong,” she said. Thomas nodded, and then went back to sleep. Fluttershy then kissed him on the forehead and continued to walk, until she spotted her friends up ahead. “Fluttershy! How are you doin- AAAAHHH! Whatever happened to my darling little nephew?!” Rarity exclaimed shockingly. “Shhhhhh... you’re gonna wake him up,” Fluttershy said. Thomas coughed shortly, and then moaned as he slept. “I’m on my way to take him to the doctor, because he’s burnt up with a fever, and he’s covered in red spots.”
“Aww, poor little feller,” Applejack said. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” Twilight said. “I do,” Fluttershy said, then she said her goodbyes and Rarity gave Thomas a quick kiss on the cheek, and finally, Fluttershy continued her walk to the doctor.
When she sat down on a chair with Thomas sitting on her lap wearing a blanket, and the doctor was examining him. He was a earth pony stallion with grayish amber fur, a curly brilliant orange mane and tail, brilliant amber eyes, a white lab coat over a purple shirt, a stethoscope over his neck, a mirror headband, and his flank had a cutie mark of a stethoscope and varying first aid kit.
He checked Thomas’s heart pulse with his stethoscope, and then looked through his mouth to check his tonsils. “Well, it looks like he’s sick alright,” Dr. Horse said. “But it looks like he has some kind of relationship with pony pox and a common cold, and something called “pneumonia”.”
“Oh, dear. I was afraid that he would end up like this,” Fluttershy said. Thomas then coughed again and again, then the doctor stood back. Fluttershy looked at Thomas, and gently rubbed his back as she brought him closer towards her chest. “But the good news is he’s not contagious,” Dr. Horse said. Fluttershy nodded and then thought of an idea, “Thank you for trying, Dr. Horse. I’ll see if Zecora can help.” Dr. Hooves nodded, and then Fluttershy left the hospital and traveled through the safer part of the Everfree Forest and walked over to a tree hut covered in tribal decor and had yellow windows.
Fluttershy knocked on the door, and then waited for Zecora to answer, and then she saw Thomas softly coughing. “Shhhhhh shhhhhh... It’s okay, baby. Miss Zecora will know what to do,” Fluttershy said, as she gave him a small kiss on his forehead and gently rocked him both quickly and softly. Suddenly, the door opened and Zecora was standing there, “Ah, Fluttershy? Whatever can I do for you, since you’ve come so soon?”
“Um, I’m sorry for disturbing you or not, but I kinda need your help. My son, Thomas? He’s very ill. The doctor said something about a combination of pneumonia, pony pox and a common cold,” Fluttershy said, as Zecora looked down at him, and softly touched his forehead as he coughed. “Oh, my. Such sorrow for this child, all so tender and mild. But nevertheless, I have one solution for him, that should cease his fever that is ever so slim,” Zecora said, and then she looked through her cabinets for some ingredients and put them in a powdering bowl and put it in a small paper envelope. “Give him this, but blend it in a bowl of broth whatever he likes, and his fever shall disappear as quick as ice. And then he must rest, so that tomorrow, he will be at his best.”
Fluttershy nodded, and then she took the medicine from the zebra and thanked her for her help. After she left the forest and used the trail through Ponyville, until she made it back to her cottage and then placed Thomas on the couch, and then made him some chicken broth and then chopped some vegetables into the pot, and then added some noodles, and finally, she added the medicine into the broth and mixed it up. When it was ready, Fluttershy walked over to the living room and gave her son his medicine filled soup dinner.
When he was done, Fluttershy gave him one more bath, and then he put on his favorite blue star covered pajamas and then he was tucked into the bed, and then Fluttershy read him a little bedtime story. He then fell asleep, and Fluttershy put the book away. “Goodnight, sweetheart,” she said, then gave him a kiss on the forehead, and left the bedroom to let her sick boy sleep.
In a cave full of aqua bluish green crystals, Daring Do was searching for another lost treasure. She was a pegasus mare that looked like Rainbow Dash, but she had light gold fur, a noir colored rainbow mane and tail, magenta eyes, she had a olive green safari shirt with darker sleeve cuffs, shirt pockets and collar, a light grayish tan safari hat with olive green straps and a black strap, and her flank had a cutie mark of a map compass symbol.
She crossed over a stone bridge, but accidentally slipped her hoof, as she looked down and saw how shallow and steep the fall was. After looking back up, she saw a bronze amulet that looked like a key. It was in the shape of a crocodile and had aqua green emeralds on the eyes and chest. When she was about to walk towards it, the bridge crumbled, and Daring Do slipped again, until she flew towards the amulet. Suddenly, she was surrounded by cobras.
Inside a Daring Do Convention, Rainbow Dash and Thomas were walking around the place with excitement in themselves. “I know what you’re thinking. Your first time at a Daring Do Fan Convention in Manehattan!” Rainbow Dash said. “I know! I can’t wait to meet the author!” Thomas said. “Don’t worry, kiddo. As soon as we find that meet and greet section, you’ll have plenty of time for autographs!” Rainbow Dash said.
They looked around a couple of stalls and saw a lot of ponies dressed up as Daring Do. Suddenly, they were jumped by an employee, “You look like a pony who'd be up for an all-inclusive one-of-a-kind adventu-cation, where you and your child can get to live the Daring Do experience!”
“No thanks. Did that already,” Rainbow Dash said, and then she walked away with Thomas on her back. “Did you really?” Thomas asked. “Just go with it,” Rainbow Dash said, until she and her nephew found a cosplay of pressure plates that had blowholes full of streamers and mist. “Wow...” Thomas said. “I know, right. Since you’ve read some of the first trilogy, there’ll be more just for you and I to read,” Rainbow Dash said. “And I’m sure that you’ll get what you want soon.” Thomas nodded, and then they continued to enjoy themselves.
“Rainbow Dash?” a voice appeared. There was a pegasus mare that looked like Rainbow Dash, but she had light gold fur, her mane and tail were in many shades of dark gray but combed, the same magenta eyes as Rainbow Dash, and she wore red glasses, a orchid cloak with white floral lines, and a gray hat. “A.K.! Thank Celestia I’ve found you!” Rainbow Dash said. “Shhh! Not here!” A.K. Yearling said in a hushed tone. “Follow me!” After she put Thomas down and asked him to stay put, Rainbow Dash followed her to a hotel room, and A.K. Yearling locked the doors.
“What are you doing here by yourself and why aren’t you signing autographs or enjoying the convention, because my nephew really wants one of those after a picture with you,” Rainbow Dash asked. “I’m undercover, and I’ve got bigger problems than signing autographs,” A.K. Yearling said, as she was covering the curtains on the windows. “Why is that? What kind of problem?” Rainbow Dash asked. “It’s Caballeron again. I think he may or may not have followed me around here,” A.K. Yearling said. “That guy again?! Ugh! What does he want now?” Rainbow Dash frustratingly asked. “I was afraid you were going to ask that,” A.K. Yearling said, showing Rainbow Dash the key-shaped amulet she found as Daring Do.
“Whoa...” Rainbow Dash said. “The Amulet of Culiacan, and Caballeron wants it. But it’s only a key.” A.K. Yearling chuckled, then continued, after showing Rainbow Dash a treasure map to a temple, “The actual treasure is hidden somewhere inside a lost temple. The Seven-Sided Chest of Chicomoztoc,” A.K. Yearling said. “Caballeron wants to sell it for the highest bidder, and that of course is why I need to find it first before he does.”
“Great! Sounds like another awesome Daring Do adventure! But... what are you doing here if you’re not finding it since this is a fan convention of you?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Easy. Since I haven’t found the temple yet, it’s the safest place for me and the amulet for now,” A.K. Yearling explained. “But somehow, it’s crawling with super fans and security guards, and if I get into trouble...” she took off her cloak, and she was identified as Daring Do. “... I can just blend in with all the Daring Do cosplayers.”
“How can I help?” Rainbow Dash asked with bravery. “Just... try to lay low, and keep your eyes out for anything suspicious,” Daring Do said. “Got it!” Rainbow Dash said, and then they got to work. “Oh, before I forget, can I tell you about my nephew later? He’s been through a lot, and he really wants to meet you.” Daring Do nodded, and then Rainbow Dash gave her a wink, and then left the room again.
Later on, Rainbow Dash kept looking for Dr. Caballeron, but there was no sign of the real one since there were some ponies dressed up as him. “Man, none of these cosplayers show some of the real deal of Dr. Caballeron,” she said. “Auntie Rainbow Dash?” Thomas’s voice appeared. She turned around and saw her nephew wearing a light grayish green t-shirt of Daring Do’s cutie mark underneath his charcoal gray hooded jacket, and a hat that looked like hers. “You got yourself souvenirs?! Wow!” Rainbow Dash said, until she saw a food joint. “Wanna grab some lunch?” Thomas nodded and they went to grab a bite to eat.
Meanwhile, Dr. Caballeron and his henchponies were searching around the convention for his hated enemy, Daring Do. Dr. Caballeron was an earth pony stallion with dark brownish gray fur with facial hair on his muzzle, a combed dark arctic bluish gray mane and tail with gray streaks, chartreuse green eyes, and he was wearing a grayish amber shirt with a red bandanna with white polka dots, and his flank had a cutie mark of a golden skull. He sighed with disgust, “I find all this fanfare around my archenemy... very disturbing.” He suddenly saw a salespony, “I mean, uh... where is the booth for Caballeron? Hehe...”
He was suddenly beat, as the salepony walked away. “I do not see the likeness. Come, let us find Daring Do and the Amulet of Culiacan. I don't want to spend any more time in this place than I have to!” Dr. Caballeron said, as they continued their search.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Thomas ate at a hay burger joint for hay burgers and cola. “Uh... Thomas? Do you think we should head home or do you want to keep going with the exploratory?” Rainbow Dash asked. “No, I wanna stay for more. Why?” Thomas asked. “Just asking,” Rainbow Dash said. “Are you feeling okay?” Thomas asked. “Not really. I just get this feeling like we might somehow run into... CABALLERON?!” Rainbow Dash replied. “Uhh, you’re not making any sense,” Thomas said, but Rainbow Dash turned him around, until Dr. Caballeron and his henchponies confronted them, and they both ran for their lives, but he and his henchponies ran after them.
Rainbow Dash tried to look for a place for Thomas to hide while she held him against her chest by wrapping her hoof around his belly. “Was that really... Dr. Caballeron?!” Thomas asked in fear. “Yeah, and he’s not a fair pony to hang out with,” Rainbow Dash said, until she saw a vase. “Okay, buddy. Stay in here and keep quiet.” Thomas nodded and then he hugged his aunt’s hoof. Then, Rainbow Dash went to go make a diversion.
While she was searching, she saw a salespony. “Uh, excuse me, have you seen a group of robbers dressed up as cosplayers that almost look similar to the actual Dr. Caballeron character and others that look like his henchponies anywhere?” The salespony shook his head, and then Rainbow Dash walked away, “Sorry, but thanks for your time!” The salespony nodded, and then Rainbow Dash continued to look for the villainous black market traders.
Thomas kept hiding in the vase, but he suddenly felt like he needed to go to the bathroom, so he carefully climbed out and then went to the colt’s restroom for his potty break. After a couple of minutes, he came back out from washing his hands, but he suddenly ran into Caballeron and his gang. “What do we have here? Rainbow Dash’s little nephew!” he said. “HELP! SOMEBODY!” Thomas hollered, until he was tied up with a rope, and then blinded and silenced with white cloth, and placed into a potato sack.
When the bag was taken off Thomas, the henchpony took both the two white cloth pieces off his eyes and mouth, and then Thomas tried to move, but he wouldn’t budge. “I do not know what kind of game Daring Do is playing at, but if she told you and your aunt of my plan to steal the amulet from Daring Do, you must’ve been working with her... or for her,” Caballeron said. “What do you want from me?! Why did you bring me here?!” Thomas asked fearfully.
Dr. Caballeron cackled evilly, then started explaining, “So clever, my dear boy. The Temple of Chicomoztoc is somewhere in this jungle. When I find it, the Seven-Sided Chest is as good as mine! I just need the Amulet of Culiacan to unlock it.“
“You’re insane! Daring Do wouldn’t give you the amulet, and neither would I! I don’t even know what it is!” Thomas said. Dr. Caballeron chuckled, “So heroic, my lad. But I’m afraid you won’t be going anywhere! You may not approve of my plan, but I’m the mastermind here! And I say you will remain here with me and my men until Daring Do comes to rescue you. And if she or your poor auntie want you back in one piece, she will have no choice but to surrender the Amulet of Culiacan first! Tie him up!” The henchponies field him up with chains around the rope and then Dr. Caballeron had the Griffon’s Lock in his hoof.
“Hey! The Griffon’s Lock!” Thomas said. “Ah! You know of it, do you? Curiosity kills the cat again! Such a clever one for an agent of Daring Do!” Dr. Caballeron. “What are you talking about?! I don’t work for anybody!” Thomas said, until Caballeron placed the lock in the chains. “Haha! You cannot fool me with your pathetic lies! And now I will continue my search for the temple. Bring him with,” Dr. Caballeron said, as he started to let out a long, drawn out evil laugh. Thomas was then carried by one of the henchponies as he was placed on his back.
After crossing the bridge, and passing through the jungle again, they finally found the pathway that was near the temple, they heard a noise from the bushes. “What was that?!” A henchpony asked. “Probably just a j-j-jaguar,” Thomas said. “Silencio! Spread out! We can’t let Daring Do rescue the boy!” Dr. Caballeron hollered, and Thomas was all alone. He suddenly scooted over to a bush and did a little private business, but suddenly, Caballeron came back. “What are you doing over there?!” he asked. “I have to go to the bathroom!” Thomas said. “Fine! But make it quick!” Dr. Caballeron said. Thomas then finished up, and then one of his henchponies came back. “Señor? We’ve arrived,” he said.
“I should thank you for being our humble guest, my dear boy,” Dr. Caballeron said mischievously. “For you have led us to the Lost Temple of Chicomoztoc!” He then made another cackle as Thomas gazed at the temple.
As they went inside, Dr. Caballeron looked at the paintings on the walls. “Make sure he is still secure! We can’t have him running off to his mama!” Dr. Caballeron made another cackle. “You won’t get away with this! When my Auntie Rainbow Dash finds me, you are gonna be sorry!” Thomas said.
Dr. Caballeron walked over to the captive child, “Won't I? You've help me find a suitable path that led me to the temple, and Daring Do is too noble to let harm befall her companion’s most dear nephew, so the amulet and the chest are as good as mine. So I assume you have no witty remarks this time about how silly my plan is?”
“No! I don’t, but I’m not afraid of you!” Thomas said, as he accidentally stepped on a pressure plate, that caused some rocks to tumble and water to flood a little. “WATCH WHERE YOU ARE STEPPING, YOU BRAT!” Dr. Caballeron hollered. Thomas suddenly fell back until he suddenly had one of his arms free and drew a sword from a skeleton and pointed it at the bandits, “Stay away from me, you bullies! I’m warning you!”
“Put that thing away before you poke somepony’s eye out. You know you don’t want to,” Dr. Caballeron said. Thomas kept pointing the sword at them, until they heard a huge hissing and growling noise behind them. He turned around and saw a big aqua green and forest green colored Cipactli with gold shackles and spikes on its back, until it roared at them. “Cipactli! Flee!” Caballeron hollered, and then he and his henchponies ran off towards the door. Caballeron grinned mischievously and trapped Thomas inside the room.
Thomas tried to get out, but the Cipactli came over and was about to pounce, but as it charged towards him with a chomp from its jaws, Thomas ran for his life into a cave.
“HELP!” he screamed, as the Cipactli kept crawling faster enough to catch up with him, but suddenly bumped into a rock, and then it chased Thomas again until it chewed on another rock. Thomas then screamed, and slipped and slid on a mossy and dirty grass covered floor and fell into a small pool of swamp water, and then the Cipactli appeared and started making monstrous noises as it slowly walked over to him, and was about to eat him. “Help!!! Help!!! Aah! Aah! No! No! Help me! HELP!!!!” Thomas screamed. As the beast get closer, until Thomas cowered in fear.
“You bet I am, kid!” Daring Do replied, giving him a wink. Thomas then turned himself around and gently buried himself against her chest for a hug. Daring Do smiled warmly with a soft deep red blush, “Aww... Aren’t you sweet?” Daring Do let go off the vine and landed on a safer platform and then she let Thomas stand on the floor.
“Alright, hold still, sweetie,” Daring Do said, and she carefully picked through the combinations on the Griffon’s Lock, until it popped open and Thomas was finally free from the rope and chains. Thomas then hugged the heroic and adventurous pegasus mare again. “Thank you, Miss Daring Do for saving my life,” Thomas said. Daring Do was touched by his kindness, so she held him on one foreleg and brought him against her chest, “No problem, little guy.” After the hug, Daring Do put him down, “What are you doing out here by yourself?”
“That crocodile tried to eat me, before Caballeron trapped me with it after he escaped,” Thomas explained. He then explained what happened while he was held captive by Caballeron and his henchpoines, and then Daring Do calmed him down after realizing how scared Thomas was by giving him another hug. “But, how do we get outta here?” Thomas asked.
“Well, we’ll find a way out, after we look for the chest,” Daring Do said. “Can I go with?” Thomas asked. “Sure. I’d be happy for you to accompany me, plus you might come in handy,” Daring Do said. “Really?! You mean it?!” Thomas asked. “Well, what are you waiting for? Climb on,” Daring Do said, and then Thomas excitedly climbed onto her back and then carefully grasped the back of her shirt collar. She stood up and did the whinnying stance, and then ran off with Thomas on her back so they can look for the treasure.
They suddenly saw Rainbow Dash and began screaming like crazy. “Auntie Rainbow Dash!” Thomas said, as he climbed off Daring Do’s back and went over to his aunt for a hug. “Thomas! You’re okay!” Rainbow Dash said. “I’m so sorry I got you into this mess! But don’t worry, your awesome Auntie Rainbow Dash won’t do that ever again.” Thomas nodded and then they continued the hug.
“Wait a minute... you’re Rainbow Dash’s nephew, that she mentioned before?” Daring Do asked. “Thomas nodded, “Mmhmm.” Daring Do then looked back at Rainbow Dash, “What are you doing here anyway? I thought I told you to wait for me, not just barge in here without me!”
“I wanted to help save my nephew. Besides, I promised Fluttershy, who is Thomas’s mom, watch over him,” Rainbow Dash said. “Fluttershy’s your mother, Thomas, is it?” Daring Do asked. Thomas nodded, and then Daring went over to him, and placed him back on her back. “Auntie Rainbow Dash? Are you and Miss Daring Do friends?” Thomas asked, as Rainbow Dash smirked and placed her wing over Daring Do. “Uhh... Well... if you say it like that... then yeah, we’re friends. We’re friends,” Daring Do said. “By the way, Thomas. In case you didn’t know, I’m also the author of the books.”
“Really?!” Thomas asked. “Yeah,” Daring Do said. “Can I have an autograph after we get a picture taken? I promise not to tell anybody about your other identity” Thomas asked. “Yeah, sure,” Daring Do said. “Sweet!” Thomas said. “Now, let’s go get that chest!” Rainbow Dash said, as she, Daring Do, with Thomas on her back, continued their quest.
When they arrived, they saw five doors with ancient drawings. “Hey, I recognize those drawings!” Thomas said. “You do?” Daring Do asked. “Yeah! See that one?” Thomas replied. “Yeah,” Daring Do said. “That one, along with the other show an earth pony fighting a serpent. The second looks like a pegasus fighting a griffon. The third one has a unicorn that’s fighting a grizzly bear, and I think that one...”
Daring Do suddenly gasped as what it was showing. “Has an alicorn on it! It’s the only door without a match! How’d you know all of that?” Daring Do asked. “I guessed,” Thomas said. “You’ve really got a clever kid for a nephew, Rainbow Dash,” Darling Do said, as she gently ruffled his hair. Rainbow Dash nodded, “You think he’s really clever? You should probably see how well he does in school.” Daring Do smirked, and then she took out the amulet from underneath her shirt. “Is that the amulet Dr. Caballeron was talking about?!” Thomas asked, as he carefully held the amulet without hurting Daring Do. “Yes, it is. It’s also a key, which I believe goes to this door,” she said, as she carefully took the amulet back as she gazed at the door, and then looked back at Thomas. “Care to do the honors?”
“Really?” Thomas asked. “Hey, you helped me solved the doors, and I think a certain colt with the same trait for courageously adventurous like myself should do the honors of unlocking the door,” Daring Do replied, as she carefully wrapped her foreleg around his front side and gently pulled him against her chest as she lifted him up. Thomas grabbed the amulet, “I won’t let go of it, Miss Daring Do.”
“You don’t need to call me Miss. Just either Daring or Daring Do is fine,” she said. “Now, come on. Open the door,” Rainbow Dash said. Thomas nodded and then he carefully placed the lock through the door and then he placed it through the keyhole. When it was placed, the door made the ground crumble, and the door began to open, and they saw what appeared to be the Seven-Sided Chest of Chicomoztoc.
“Wow... what is it?” Thomas asked. “That’s what Caballeron’s after. The Seven-Sided Chest of Chicomoztoc,” Daring Do replied. She then carefully grabbed it with her wing and looked at it with a smile. “It’s so pretty...” Thomas said. “It sure is,” Daring Do said.
“Uh, guys? We better get outta here, because the path you saved my nephew from isn’t safe at all anymore,” Rainbow Dash said. “How are we gonna get outta here?!” Thomas asked, as Daring Do held him close to her chest as he faced forward. She looked for an exit, until she saw a hole on the ceiling, “There!”
“Daring! Can you carry him out?” Rainbow Dash asked. She looked down at Thomas in her embrace, and then nodded with confidence in her face. Daring Do and Rainbow Dash flew over the Cipactli carefully, and then Thomas was suddenly released, before Daring Do caught him in a hugging pose,and then the three safely landed in a bush.
Daring Do and Rainbow Dash laid on their backs, and Daring Do looked at Thomas laying on her belly, “You okay, kid?” Thomas giggled, “Let’s do that again.” Daring Do and Rainbow Dash smiled at him, and then they heard Caballeron’s voice from afar, so they went to hide. Rainbow Dash hugged Thomas, and Daring Do covered her wing over him.
“This way! I heard them!” Dr. Caballeron shouted, as he and his crew kept looking. Thomas and Daring Do peeked. “I think I have an idea,” Thomas said, showing Daring Do a rock, and whispered his plan into her ear. Daring Do nodded, “Well, like I would usually say, not every Daring Do plan has to be super-complicated.” She lifted Thomas up and then he threw it at the wall.
Dr. Caballeron and his crew came and then looked around. “Rrrgh! I swear I heard them!” Dr. Caballeron growled. Suddenly, the wall crumbled, and then they saw the Cipactli appear giving them a big screeching roar. They screamed like crazy and ran for their lives while the Cipactli chased after them. “I'll get you for this, Daring Dooooo!” Dr. Caballeron screamed.
Rainbow Dash and Thomas laughed at their prank, as Daring Do smirked at them. “You are really clever as I am,” she said. Thomas nodded, “I try.”
“He’s a really big fan,” Rainbow Dash said. “Uh-huh. I know,” Daring Do said. “Now, there’s some stairs on the other side of the temple that lead out of the ravine. I suggest you and your nephew take them and head west.”
“What about you?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I’ve gotta get this to a museum,” Daring Do said. “Thomas? It’s been nice meeting you. Thanks for your help. I couldn’t have done this without you. Both of you.” Before she was about to walk off, Daring Do suddenly forgot something, and then got out Thomas’s camera and marker.
“How about a quick picture together before I go? And I’ll be sure to leave an autograph on it for you to take home,” she said. “Really?!” Thomas asked. Daring Do nodded, and then Rainbow Dash took the camera, and set it up on a tree stump, and pressed the timer on it. When it was ready, Daring Do held Thomas as he sat on her hoof and scooted a little bit closer towards her chest, and Rainbow Dash stood next to them on the left, and then they smiled for the camera together.
Thomas then placed the picture on his cork-board using a office pin to hang it. The picture had both Daring Do and A.K. Yearling’s autograph on one side, saying “To my newest favorite fan and friend. From, Daring Do and A.K. Yearling”.
