Chapters It was a bright afternoon in the humble town of Ponyville. Most ponies were out doing various activities with their families, having a picnic, swimming, going out to eat, that kinda stuff you'd do on a Summers day.
In the Golden Oaks Library, a violet coloured alicorn filly was practising a new spell taught by her teacher and caretaker who was also an alicorn. Those two were well known as Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Young Trinity Star. Their friends were there to support her, but they were also there's to have lunch together. It had been just over a week since the fillies were accepted into Ponyville and their caretakers' lives. Princess Celestia was busy getting the adoption papers ready for them. The six friends really came to love them, like their own little fillies.
Applejack and Season Harvest were happily munching on a bowl of apples together. Season was really happy when her mom to be was going to make her a permanent member of the Apple Family. Applebloom was as ecstatic as she. Now she could be a Cutie Mark Crusader permanently.
Rarity was giving Crystal Charity a lady lesson on drinking tea. Charity was also over the moon when Rarity gave the news. Her 'Auntie' Sweetie Belle was also happy that Charity was going to stay forever more. She, unlike her sister, liked having her to help when making clothes, even taking the time in teaching her how to make small things herself. She enjoyed being somewhat part of the CMC. She didn't like doing some of the activities but helped out anyway she could.
The party pony and happiness bringer were in the kitchen with Spike baking some snacks. For them, this was just a small private celebration. Lucky Joy cried tears of well, joy! When Pinkie told her. She gave a death hug and didn't want to ever let go. She had secretly hoped that the pink party mare would keep her. She may not be as hyperactive as her, but proved to be loads of fun.
Rainbow Dash and Vibrant Sky were looking through a Daring Do book together. Rainbow had a tough debate with herself to consider adopting Vibrant. She had come to really like the filly, and proved she wasn't hard to look after. So she thought 'what the hay' and considered. Plus she was a pretty good racing buddy.
Lastly Fluttershy and Serenity Meadow were happily relaxing on a pair of velvet cushions. Serenity's reaction was the same as Lucky Joy's in a way. She also cried tears of joy and hugged her new mommy. But gentler. Fluttershy was only the very few ponies she wouldn't be really shy of. She loves helping her mommy look after the sick animals with the herbs she grows in her room.
Trinity Star was getting ready for her newly studied for spell. Inner Tranquility. It was a spell that was supposed to find the peace within the mind and have the ability of total relaxation. She had already a chalk drawing of a star in a circle and some other symbols on the floor beneath her. Twilight was with her but outside of the chalk muro on the floor.
Twilight had also grown to love the filly as her own. She read her bedtime stories at night and taught her spells and helped her to study and read. And the filly was able to calm her down if she was getting overly worried about her schedules and things in general.She asked Spike on his opinion, and he completely agreed. He had grown to like her a good deal too. She helped him mostly with the re-shelving.
"Are you ready for this Trinity?" Twilight asked. She was questioning herself if this was a good idea. Trinity had just finished beginners and was going straight into intermediate magical spells.
Her answer was a simple nod, a reassuring smile, and a now glowing horn. The others in the room stopped what they were doing and watched as Trinity began her spell.
She closed her eyes and concentrated hard. She spread her legs apart from each other in a stance with her wings spread out wide. The chalk drawing underneath her emitted small clouds of chalk dust that looked like spirits. The others watched in awe at the scene before them, for Twilight in pride.
Everything was going well so far but something happened. A sharp pain went through Trinity's head and she began to lose concentration. Normally when something like up this happened, the spell would have stopped, but this was different. The chalk drawing started to glow as bright as her horn. Twilight was getting worried now. This was rather abnormal. Trinity opened her eyes, but instead of a deep crimson, they were white like a ghost.
A purple cosmic spiralling vortex formed behind her. When of appropriate size, a black hole appeared in the middle of it and started sucking things up inside it like a hoover. Trinity was immediately pulled in unexpectantly with a scream. The other fillies held on to their mothers for dear life. Too afraid of having the same fate. When the kitchen door opened, it revealed Pinkie Pie with a plate of freshly baked cupcakes and Lucky Joy with a fresh creamy custard pie. Lucky Joy also got sucked in, followed by her pie. The other fillies flew in also screaming and holding onto each other. Some teary eyed. Twilight and the others were about to go in after them, but the vortex vanished before they could get to it.
They all screamed for their lost ones names in agony, truly like a mother who had just lost their precious child forever. Outside the window a shadowy figure grinned evilly.
That got rid of the pests. was the one sinister thought he had, before slipping off into elsewhere.
In an alternate world.....
Toby Mason, a young seven year old human boy, was sitting in a field with his Momma Fluttershy, and his five other aunties. Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. It was a bright sunny day today. Perfect for a picnic.
Toby had been living in Equestria for the past year and a half now, after being transported here to his wish from a different world. His birth-mother was killed in a deliberate accident, performed by the cold-hearted action of his jealous father. Not long after the poor boy was getting terrible verbal abuse from this drunken man. He preyed to the stars above to send him somewhere he'd be loved. He got his wish, and has been happy ever since.
Their peace was interrupted when a purple cosmic vortex appeared over head a few feet away from them. A black hole opened up within it.
"Oooooohhhhh, twitchy tail! twitchy tail!" cried Pinkie with her tail actually twitching. The others knew that something was going to fall from the sky.
And that theory proved to be right! Out of the vortex fell a royal blue pegasus filly with a bright rainbow coloured mane and tail, and landed with a thud. Goggles were hanging around her neck other than the normal way of atop her multi-coloured head. She groaned and rubbed the pain that was sprouting in her head. Looking up she saw the others coming in for a landing. She quickly scootched over after the others fell onto the ground one by one, landing on top of each other in a pile. Season first, followed by Charity, then Lucky, and Trinity on top. The filly sighed in relief for being able to avoid getting fallen on top of. That is until Serenity Meadow landed on top of her back with her hooves over her eyes.
She looked down and saw that she was on top of her friend. She gasped and quickly scrambled off and started apologising to her frantically.
Trinity groaned and looked up at the portal to see if they could get back. Only to have a creamy custard pie land straight in her face. Lucky Joy saw what happened and burst out laughing. Vibrant saw it as well and started laughing too.
Crystal Charity looked up from where she was and saw the adults with a strange creature of some sort.
It was some kind of bipedal creature with a tuft of brown fur on its head. It's skin was a peachy kind of colour with a pair of glasses resting on its tiny nose. It was wearing a red hooded jacket with a golden locket sewn on, blue trousers, and a pair of red and white laced shoes on its hind hooves. Charity could tell that it was Rarity's fine work on the clothes.
Trinity was trying to get the pie off of her face, Lucky and Vibrant were trying to subdue their laughter, and the other three looked at the adults, and strange creature in front of them. When Serenity spotted the unfamiliar face of the creature, she squeaked and quickly cocooned herself in her long pink mane and tail, hiding from the strange face.
Once Trinity got most of the pie off her face, she looked and spotted the strange creature as well. She immediately knew that something was amiss.
"Oh, pony feathers".
As the fillies were gaining their composure, Toby looked at them curiously yet nervously. He looked up at Fluttershy,
“Momma, do you think they are okay?” He asked with concern as he looked over at Trinity and the others. He carefully hugged onto one of Fluttershy’s forelegs.
She looked down to her son and used her free foreleg to reach over and stroke the top of his head. She gave him a little frown,
“I don’t know sweetheart, but you stay close to me, okay? I don’t want them to hurt you if they are dangerous.” She leaned her head down and kissed him on top of his. She looked to Twilight,“Um… Twilight… um… what do you think we should do?”
Twilight looked on with her lips pursed with curiosity,“I believe we should go check on them.” She turned her attention to her friends and nephew “But girls and Toby, let’s be careful. I have a feeling that one of them must have powerful magic in them for them to come through a portal.” They all nodded in agreement as they slowly approached the fillies.
While the fillies shook themselves off Season Harvest looked at her violet alicorn friend,"Sweet applesauce Trinity, what in land sakes happened?!” She looked at the alicorn filly with a bewildered expression.
Trinity rubbed at her forehead and horn carefully with a hoof. She winced in pain still feeling the after effects of the spell she was practicing. Not much 'inner tranquility' about that She thought to herself sarcastically. She turned to Season, “I don’t really know, but when I was focusing on the spell, a sharp pain shot through my head and caused me to lose my concentration.” She blinked and looked around.
Without warning Lucky Joy started hopping around her friends,“I don’t know about you all, but that was a doozy of a fun time! I even had a soft landing!" She beamed with excitement when she sees the adults approaching,“Mommy!” She yelled as she bounced toward the group with her eyes locked on Pinkie Pie.
The reason why you had a soft landing was because my back broke your fall Charity thought to herself.
Vibrant flapped her wings and looked ahead at the cyan pegasus flying above the group. She decided to follow suit and hover over toward them, “Hey Mom, what are you doing here?” She asked curiously yet with a big grin on her muzzle.
Meanwhile, Season Harvest scratched the back of her head with a hoof “Uh… how in Sam hill could mom be here?!” She asked shocked as she turned her attention to Charity, Trinity, and Serenity Meadow who was still hiding in her tail, afraid of what was going on.
“Well, it would appear to me that this has gone off key just a bit,” Charity spoke as she cleared her throat. She couldn’t help though but look at Rarity with a smile,“Yet, I may inquire that we go let them know that we’re okay, what do you say Season?” Season Harvest nodded and the two fillies also trotted toward the adults.
Trinity looked on with a frown 'oh dear, this is not going to end well when I tell them that we aren’t home and they aren’t our parents ' She rubbed at her forehead with a hoof as she looked around to see Serenity still covered up with her tail, hiding from the commotion.
She carefully trotted over to the timid filly and gently placed a hoof on her shoulder,“Hey, Serenity, are you okay?” She carefully rubbed at her shoulder to try and comfort her.
Serenity quietly shook under Trinity’s touch and carefully lifted her head, half of her face covered with her.
“Oh… um… I-I’m okay Trinity… but it’s just that… that strange creature that’s with mommy and the others,” she pointed a hoof at Toby, “H-he looks scary!”
Trinity looked over at the little creature, noticing he only came up to the top of Fluttershy’s foreleg as he walked beside her. She simply rolled her eyes looking down at her friend with a soft smirk, “Serenity, he is as small as a regular colt and he looks like he could be the same size as you. Maybe just a little bigger. But he doesn’t appear to be scary at all.” She rubbed at Serenity’s back to try and calm her down.
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked at each other curiously as the adult were approaching the fillies,“Did they just call us mom and mommy Pinkie?” Rainbow looked at her, quirking an eyebrow.
Pinkie Pie looked up with a beaming smile and nodded her head vigorously “Yes, yes they did Dashy! I don’t know why they would call us that, but the little pink one looks like she’ll be a lot of fun to hang out with!” She giggled as she hopped toward Lucky Joy and Vibrant Sky. Rainbow simply rolled her eyes.
Not far behind Rarity and Applejack were following the two. Rarity eyed the pearl white filly Charity and smiled warmly “You know what Applejack darling, that young filly sure has a good taste in fashion. I mean just look at the scarf she is wearing. It's simply fabulous!" She gave a blushing smile.
Applejack sighed softly and let out a light chuckle,“Ah see that Rarity. Look at the filly walking beside her, she's taller than the average filly, and she looks like she could buck apples with the best of 'em.” She smirked proudly.
Twilight, Fluttershy, and Toby trailed behind the rest,“Um…Twilight, where do you suppose they come from?” She asked as she looked down at Toby hugging her foreleg. She smiled warmly and wrapped her foreleg gently around his shoulders and pulled him close to the warmth of her chest in a hug.
“To be honest Fluttershy, I truly don’t know,” Twilight spoke with her lips pursed with confusion. She looked at each of the fillies closely and over at Trinity and Serenity who stayed in the same spot,“However, they all have a close resemblance to all of us.” Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
When Vibrant and Lucky finally approached Rainbow and Pinkie, Vibrant spoke up,“Whew mom, I am glad to see you. I thought after we went through that portal thing that I would never see you again.” She gave a relieving smile as she looked at Rainbow.
Rainbow reached a hoof up to scratch at the back of her mane,"Uh… I’m sorry kid, but I’m not your mom.” She gave a nervous chuckled.
Vibrant arched a brow in confusion. "Why's that?" she hoped this wasn't what she thought it was.
"Uuuuuhhhh", Rainbow really didn't know how to put this.
Lucky Joy looked up at the hovering cyan pegasus curiously, “Of course you are Auntie Rainbow and this is my super funny fantastic Mommy, Pinkie Pie!” She zipped to the side of Pinkie, wrapping a foreleg around her neck in a hug. And giggled her angelic giggle. She beamed up at Pinkie,"Isn’t that right Mommy?”
Pinkie still beamed, but nervously this time, letting out a slight chuckle,“Well sweetie, you are pretty in pink and you look like you’d be super-duper fun to have as a daughter, but I have to second Dashy, I don’t have a daughter either.” Her nervous grin grew as she looked at the filly.
Suddenly Lucky Joy’s mane and tail lost its poofiness and she frowned deeply as she realised the situation. She looked up at Pinkie sadly, “Wait, so you’re saying you aren’t my Mommy?” Pinkie sadly nodded and Lucky felt tears sting her eyes. She may usually be a happy pony, but in the inside she was easily saddened by certain things. This was one of them.
Vibrant noticed Lucky was on the verge of tears and hovered down to her, placing a hoof on her shoulder. She started to rub it soothingly,“It’s okay Lucky. Maybe Trinity will know what happened and where we are.” She looked at Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie “So you two really aren’t our moms?” Rainbow and Pinkie replied with a sad shake of their head and Vibrant nodded in understanding. "Right, I get ya".
Season Harvest and Crystal Charity trotted up to them along with Applejack and Rarity. The four looked at each other when Applejack spoke up,
“Well, howdy there young’uns. Mah name is.” “Applejack,” Season cut her off, but gently and pointed a hoof at Rarity “And you are Rarity Belle, the best darn fashionista in Ponyville.” She smirked proudly.
“The only fashionista in Ponyville if I may correct you fair Season.” Charity narrowed her eyes and then smile at Rarity. She may have a good taste in fashion, but wasn't as mad about it as her mum. She was more into the make and quality than the design.
Rarity nodded in agreement, a little fascinated at the young fillies posh accent,“Yes that is true, but if a lady may ask, how in the wide world of Equestria do you fillies know any of us?”
“That is a good question,” Twilight spoke up as her, Fluttershy, and Toby approached the group. She looked at the two fillies curiously “All we witnessed was a bright flash of light and then you six laid piled out on the ground.” She gave a look of concern.
Trinity watched with Serenity from their position and looked down at her friend,“Serenity, let’s go over there so I can explain what might have happened. Just stay behind me, okay?” She gave Serenity a warm smile and she lightly nodded. The little pegasus carefully stood up with her mane still covering half of her face as she slowly followed behind Trinity over to the group.
“I believe I can explain,” Trinity spoke up as her and Serenity trotted up. She bowed her head to Twilight,“It is true pleasure to meet you Princess Twilight. My name is Trinity Star and these are my family and friends.” She motioned toward the fillies with a hoof “Vibrant Sky, Lucky Joy, Season Harvest, Crystal Charity, and…” She looked behind to see Serenity still shaking a bit “This shy and timid filly is Serenity Meadow.” The others bowed their heads to Twilight.
Twilight nodded her head,“Now, now my little ponies, you don’t have to bow to me.” She gave them all a warm smile and placed a hoof of her chest “It is a pleasure to meet you all as well, and you’ve already met my friends. Together we make the…” “Elements of Harmony!” Lucky Joy exclaimed and her mane suddenly expanded and her beaming smile returned. Twilight looked at her curiously “Yes… how did you know that?”
“That is another story for later,” Trinity said giggling at Lucky Joy’s burst of enthusiasm. "But really, who doesn't know that?"
Twilight just shrugged, so Trinity continued on,
“Right, now for your first question, we all come from Equestria, but apparently a different one apart from yours.” Every pony and Toby gasped,“You see, I was working on a spell with my mom… you… “She pointed a hoof at Twilight, “Called Inner Tranquility. Well, everything was going fine until a sharp pain shot through my head, and that caused me to lose concentration…” She sighed heavily.
“However, the spell didn’t stop after that interruption, and out of nowhere this twirling, spinning purple portal like thingy mabobber appeared and just sucked us all in. Next thing we know, we end up outside piled up on each other on the ground", Trinity shook her head confusingly.
The other fillies nodded while the adults looked at the worriedly. Twilight nodded sadly,“Well, that does sound bad Trinity, and I’m sorry that you are all separated from your family.” She frowned deeply.
Charity looked over at the strange creature standing next to Fluttershy and carefully trotted near him. When Toby saw her, he shook a little shyly holding onto Fluttershy’s foreleg for dear life. Although he wasn’t as shy or timid when he first arrived in Equestria, he still had a little bit of that behavior around ponies he hasn’t met.
Charity saw him shaking and shook her head gently,“Oh no, please don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. I just wanted to look at the clothes you are wearing, they look finely made.” She gave him a warm smile and reached out her hoof,“My name is Crystal Charity, jolly to meet you, what is your name?” She saw he only came up just below her chin and smiled brightly. She may be taller but he was older, and so treated with the respect of that an older relative.
Toby looked up at Fluttershy for reassurance and she gave him a light nod,“It’s okay sweetheart, there’s nothing to be worried about.” She rubbed at his back soothingly with her foreleg. She could tell that this filly wouldn't hurt a fly.
Toby looked up at her and nodded. He carefully let go of his hug on his mom’s foreleg and reached out a hand to the pearl filly, “It’s nice to meet you miss. My name is Toby… Toby Mason,” he spoke in his usual soft and polite tone, looking up at her with a warm smile. “My Auntie Rarity made my clothes. She makes the most warmest and comfortable clothes.” He looks over at Rarity who gave him a wink and a smile.
Charity smiled warmly,"Well, she certainly did a marvelous job on it Toby. It is a pleasure to meet you, and please call me Charity".She carefully shook his hand. "There's no need to call me miss". To her it honestly felt kinda weird considering he is a lot older than she.
Season was the next to trot up to Toby and noticed that she was about a head taller than him. She looked down at him with a smile “Well, aren’t ya just a swell young feller. Howdy there Toby, mah name is Season Harvest reached a hoof out and patted Toby’s shoulder,“Its a darn tooting pleasure to meet ya.”
He giggled as he looked up at her with a big smile “It’s nice to meet you too Season Harvest.”
"Shucks, just callin' me Season will do no harm".
Suddenly Toby’s vision went dark, “Guess who?!” An excited yet angelic giggle escaped the lips of Lucky Joy. She has somehow able to recover from the past surprise.
“Heh, heh… just kidding with ya.” She uncovered her hooves from Toby’s eyes and hopped around to the front,“Hi there Toby! My name is Lucky Joy and I love parties, and making ponies happy!” She beamed and reached for Toby’s hand and shook it between her hooves, while bouncing up and down.
Toby laughed happily at the deep pink filly’s enthusiasm,“It’s nice to meet you Lucky Joy and I like parties too!” He smiled brightly at her.
Vibrant Sky smirked at her friend’s giddiness and trotted over to Toby next. She was also a head taller than Toby and looked down at him,“Hey there dude. Name's Vibrant Sky, but you can call me Vibrant, and I’m the fastest filly you'll ever meet. I always have the need… the need for speed. But I could hold out for a while too”, She smirked proudly and reached her hoof up to ruffle at his hair, “Great to meet you Toby.”
He smiled and giggled at the hair ruffle. He looked up at her with a soft smile ,“Nice to meet you too Vibrant".
Trinity looked at him curiously as she trotted up to him and he came up to her nose, “Hello Toby, my name is Trinity Star, but Trinity works just as well, and it is very nice to meet you.” She gave him a warm smile and politely asked ,“Toby, if I may ask, what kind of creature are you?”
He returned the smile as he looked at her “I’m glad to you meet you too Trinity. I’m a human and I’m seven years old.”
Trinity nodded,“Well, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a human before. I know I read a lot of books with mom, but we never came across one about humans.” She shook her head And he's seven. Certainly makes a big age difference.
She turned toward the green filly behind her, “And this is my friend Serenity Meadow. She is a bit shy, but don’t worry Toby she is a very nice and kind pegasus.”
Toby could see that he was a bit taller than Serenity and very carefully walked to Trinity’s side. He gave Serenity a warm smile, “Hi there Serenity Meadow, it’s nice to meet you. It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you, and I’ll never hurt any pony.” He gave her a reassuring smile as he slowly reached out his hand.
Serenity swallowed nervously and looked up at him. She could see a genuine kindness in his smile and his eyes. She sighed in relief and reached out a hoof ,“H-hello Toby, it’s good to meet you.” She smiled a little at him as he nodded kindly.
Every pony looked at the scene and smiled.
Trinity looked at Toby and asked, “Toby, how did you end up here in Equestria in the first place? I’m sure you came from another world like we did.” Curiosity etched across her face.
Toby was about to answer when Twilight very kindly spoke up,“You know what, I think we all should go to the library and talk. I think the library is a better atmosphere to learn about how you fillies got here, and also if my sweet little nephew wants to tell his story, then he can.” She gave Toby a warm smile and Toby nodded.
“That sounds like an idea to me,” Trinity spoke with a smile and looked at her friends “How does that sound to you girls?” They all nodded in agreement.
“Then to Golden Oaks we go!” Pinkie yelled and hopped ahead, joined by Lucky Joy.
"Whoopie!", the younger filly chanted with random glee.
Every pony and Toby giggled at the two.
Fluttershy knelt on her forelegs,“Come on sweetie, let’s go to Auntie Twilight’s.” She smiled warmly at her son as Toby carefully climbed up on her back. She looked at Serenity looking with a pleading smile,“You can ride on my back too little one if you would like.” She gave her a reassuring smile.
“Yes you can Serenity. I’ll make room.” Toby smiled as he slid back. Serenity calmly nodded and trotted up to Fluttershy. She climbed up onto her back and laid down. She quietly hoped that she wouldn't fly there. She was deathly afraid of flying. Even if she was a pegasus.
Toby smiled at her softly as Fluttershy stood back up and they started to make their way toward the library with every pony following suit.
All twelve ponies continued to walk down the familiar streets of Ponyville. Everypony was getting anxious to learn about each other's end of the story.
'Well, at least not a whole lot is different ',Trinity thought to herself. She turned to look at Toby who was sitting on Fluttershy's back in front of her, with Serenity quietly lying down in front of him. 'I do wonder what his story is. It must be interesting if mom wanted for him to tell us in the library '.
Twilight and Trinity's gang, as well as Spike and Toby, sat down in the main room of the library. It was now time for some serious explaining. On both ends to be exact.
"So, who's going to start us off?", questioned Twilight.
"Ladies first", Rainbow answered quickly, pointing a hoof at the fillies opposite her. She was anxious for an explanation on these fillies.
Trinity sighed 'Of course, Auntie Rainbow isn't really the patient type '. Vibrant was only the same but a little more tolerable.
"Alright I'll begin", she cleared her throat and began to tell their story.
"In our world, their is a legend but also a prophecy. It all began many millennia ago. Before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were of a mature age to co-rule, there was another leader. He was known as Emperor Aratron. He was an alicorn kin like the sisters, but also a great and compassionate ruler. He did not treat others as his subjects, but as his friends. He was an inspiration to them all". Trinity's current smile faded as she was going onto the other part of the story.
"But alas, no happy ending is to last forever. One day he got an urgent message to help seal away with an evil magic spirit that resided on Spirit Mountain. He left with a large quantity of his royal guard. With a variation of different races such as, earth pony, pegasi, and unicorn guard, and some high class magicians of the court. But he only returned with a small amount of what he had left with. But the evil magic was thought to have disappeared. Over time he began to change. No longer kind and compassionate like he once was, but cruel and cold-hearted. Even going so far as to practice the dark magic secretly. He was diagnosed with the same evil magic that he was supposed to seal, was within him". Trinity took a breath before continuing. She glanced up to see the adults and Toby wide-eyed with curiosity. You'd swear they were listening to a thriller story.
"As time passed the situation had gotten worse that even his appearence changed. Instead of your typical alicorn, he became an alicorn bat pony. From what I've heard he was responsible for Discord to turn against them. He also adopted a new name, Lord Hex. Everypony was suffering a great deal from famine. Crops wouldn't grow, blight. Some ponies emigrated, others just disappeared. That was when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had enough. They took the Elements of Harmony and destroyed him."
The adults and Toby gasped in surprise. Why would the Princesses do that? Even if he was evil, they would have purified him. And the Discord part? Really? Talk about unexpected.
"Well, in their defence, it was their first time using the Elements and they didn't know how to use them properly", Trinity quickly added to her surprised audience. "And yes the Discord part is true believe it or not. But Hex's magic only scattered, and was able to reform. Now he has returned."
"Wait", Dash interrupted. "So what's that got to do with you guys?"
"Err, something about a prophecy or something", Trinity guessed scratching the back of her head. "Mom hasn't told me about that yet. So long story short, we are the Elements of Harmony". She gestured to herself and her friends.
"No, we're the Elements of Harmony!" Dash argued.
Dash was taking this the wrong way. "No, no, I mean we are the Elements themselves", Trinity tried to explain. "I am magic itself with a body and mind of my own". She pointed a hoof to herself. "It the same story with the others too". Her friends nodded.
The others seemed mesmerised with the story. "So how old are you?" Fluttershy asked. She thought since they were taller (well, most of them) than her Toby, then they were either older than him, or taller. Either or, they would have gave him a cute pet name. Because of his sweetness and height.
"One". Came the flat answer.
"One year old?!", Rarity gasped. They were so young, yet looked a lot older.
"No, one week old", Charity explained. "We were born a little over seven days ago".
The ponies and Toby were in shock. They could have fooled them. As a matter of speaking the actually did.
"But 'nough 'bout us. What about yerself Toby?" Season asked looking at Toby.
"Yeah, tell us your end", Vibrant encouraged, making herself more comfortable.
Toby took a deep breath and recalled what events happened. He could already feel tears sting his eyes before he even spoke. Charity noticed the water works, and levitate a box of tissues from the shelf and placed in front of him.
Fluttershy smiled and mouthed her 'Thank you'. Charity nodded and smiled in gratitude.
The other adults circled the little boy to make him more comfortable.
"It all happened about two and a half years ago I think. Like you said, I am from a different world like you. That is a world full of humans like me, but also has your regular animals too. Anyway, it was a little before my fifth birthday. I was waiting for my mommy to pick me up from school but I noticed that she was a little late than usual. Later on my daddy picked me up and told me that... Sniff ... My mommy was in a bad accident...hic... and, and... she," Toby started to shed tears and hiccup from the bad memory.
Fluttershy tightened her hug and licked the tears of his face. The others were also rubbing his back and arms gently in comfort. All had sad smiles on their faces.
Gaining a little composure, Toby continued, "She died, from that accident". The fillies expressions were of shock and despair. They could just picture the horrible image in their heads.
"My daddy was jealous that she was giving me more attention than she was to him, so. After that he started being mean to me. He called me weak and small and, some other things. He even told me that, i-it was my fault that m-mommy was gone. And I believed him. After going through a year of, that I finally had enough. I preyed to the stars to send me somewhere that I would find love again, and not be hurt by family again".
Charity's expression changed ever so slightly into one of disgust. She knew ponies would hope to go somewhere that they would be loved, but never because of someone whom they loved dearly was taken away by someone who you equally loved just as much. That poor excuse of a father of his had a poor heart if he was treating his only son like that.
Toby now smiled a little. "And it came true. At that same night I made my wish, Auntie Luna brought me here", he smiled up at his Fluttershy as she did the same to him, "That is when my momma found me". Serenity's ears perked up at that statement. "And I also met my Auntie's Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. I then later met my Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna in person". All his Auntie's smiled down at him. "Not long after, momma adopted me and I have been living happily in Equestria. My daddy was then brought here where I found out that he was the reason my mommy died. I forgave him and he was brought back to my original world by Mister Discord".
Vibrant sniggered at the thought of Discord having a trip with the no good scoundrel of a dad.
"Since then, I have lived happily here ever since". Toby finished up with a smile. He honestly didn't want to bring up the kidnapping by Chrysalis teboccle. His Momma and Auntie's noticed it too but couldn't really blame him for not saying. They'd rather not go through that incident again.
The happy family looked up to see the fillies on the other side of the room. All of their faces were tear stained, Lucky's mane was de-poofed again.
"That's so sad!", she blew her nose in the nearest thing she could find. It was fluffy and yellow. Charity flinched at the disgusting sensation on her tail. She quickly pulled away and gave a questioning look at her friend. Lucky gave a nervous smile and blushed.
'Guess I'll have to wash that later ' Charity mumbled, looking at the disgusting slime on her tail.
"You couldn't have just used the tissues? They're right in front of you", she scolded her friend.
Lucky laughed nervously, "Heh, heh, oopsie?"
"True, we are sorry that your mother died because of your fathers jealous actions Toby, but happy that you found a wonderful family after. You deserve that much", Trinity smiled as she walked over and gave him a reassuring hug.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that he won't be bothering you again. And I'm also happy that you now have an awesome family to look after ya", Vibrant smiles and joined the hug.
The others smiled too and joined the group hug. Serenity poked her head through his arms and nuzzled under his chin. Fluttershy giggled at how cute that looked.
Everything was cute until Lucky felt something sticky in her face. Charity had flopped her tail on her face. Guess it was some of her own medicine.
"Guess I should of seen that one coming", she stated flatly as Charity did a triumphant grin.
"Wait a minute, I just thought of something", Trinity realised and pulled away. She put a hoof to her chin and thought for a moment. "If you are family with the others here, and we are family with them in our world, then it is most likely that we are related in a way". Everyone looked at her confusingly. "I mean, take Serenity for example. If you, Toby, are adopted by Fluttershy here, and she is related to the Fluttershy in our world, then she is most likely your little sister". Toby and Fluttershy looked surprised and looked down at the little green filly hiding a little with her mane.
"And that would make us", she gestured to the other fillies," Your younger cousins".
There was a long pause as Trinity's statement was clicking in their heads.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
'Well, this is awkward ' came the next thought that came to mind.
In the Original World ...
Twilight was pacing and reading nearly every book possible that concerned wormholes, spells, strange phenomolies anything basically of that particular genre. Spike, as well as Owlowiscious were also doing what he can in the searching too. They also missed the little filly, but not as much as Twilight. She was practically hectic. It was getting late and Twilight had dark circles under her eyes from constant searching and fatigue. She was determined to find her daughter. And she would succeed if it was the last thing she would do!
The others went home after around eight in the evening or so. Their situation was no better. Fluttershy started bawling once she lost her little everblossom, Rarity was about the same but calmed down a lot faster than the hysteric pegasus mare. Poor Fluttershy, she was still sniffling going out the door. Pinkie's mane and tail went down once she knew the whole situation but tried her best to stay as optimistic as she could. Rainbow and Applejack took it a little better than the rest, but the look in their eyes was obvious that they were devastated too.
Twilight was mentally beating herself for being so irresponsible. How could she let her daughter try a spell she wasn't ready for? What kind of awful mother does that? She dared not think about the thought of losing her daughter, her new daughter forever. She was determined to do what she must. But nopony can hold out forever. So around early morning she passed out in tears of grief over her books. Spike had already retreated to his basket hours ago. Being as busy as she was, she probably wouldn't have noticed anyway.
Applejack returned that evening to finish some late evening chores. She tried her best to be as upbeat at work as she could. Thankfully Applebloom was having a sleepover at Scootaloo's place, so she avoided the complicated questions that were to be answered at some stage. She'd hate to have to lie. Then again who'd believe her? She was a terrible lier anyway.
While apple-bucking, she wasn't as fast or as enthusiastic about it as usual. It just didn't have the same spark in it like it used to. It was normally so lively when she was doing it with Season. Not lively as in Applebloom playful lively, but as in nice company lively. She was missing it already.
Having to have lost her appetite at dinner, she passed and went to bed. Granny Smith, Winona and her big bro looked at her with worry and question as to why. Why did she skip dinner? What was she so downcast? Why everything really. She couldn't tell them, at least not yet. That little autumn whippersnapper was the greatest company that ever arrived since Applebloom. Hey, even Big Mac our speak more than two words to her. Winona whimpered at her mistresses sad behaviour but stayed put thinking that she might get into trouble. Applejack kept her head low as she trudged up the stairs to her bedroom. She forced herself not to look at the the spare room that was to be the little filly's new bedroom, as she entered her own. She couldn't avoid the photograph sitting on the nightstand, of her and Season in front of the barn on the day when Applejack gave her the news of becoming a perminant member of the Apple family. She could remember it as clear as a sky clear day.
Applejack cried herself to sleep that night. Her silent tears hitting the little red blanket under her head.
Rarity was busy organising and tidying through her 'inspirational' mess on the workshop floors. She only made the inspirational part up for Sweetie Belle so she wouldn't annoy her. She was thankful that Sweetie Belle was at a sleepover at her friends house tonight. She trying to keep herself busy from crying over grief again of her lost daughter,doing her best to keep her poker face on, but she knew that this was all for nothing.
She was jolted out of her daze when she tripped over something and landed with a loud thud on the wooden flooring. Scowling, she looked down to see what it was she had tripped over. It was probably something Sweetie Bell had forgotten before she went to her friends sleepover. The scowl left her face when she saw the familiar, newly made, white saddle bags that belonged to her lost little lady.
She strained to not snoop inside of the closed saddle bags, but with her curiosity getting the best of her it was hopeless. She opened up the bags to find a catalogue of different clothing designs for childrens clothing. They looked easy enough to make, but then again, Charity was just a beginner. The next thing she pulled out really struck her deeply. It was a small photo frame made of rich mahogany decorated simply with a white bow with tiny crystal blue lacing. Inside the glass protection, was a photograph of her and Charity making dresses together. That was on the first day they had spent time together. She turned the frame around to see a letter on the back.
Dear Mother,
This is one of my, probably many ways, to thank you. To thank you for many things really, a home, love, a family, a mother. I'm sorry if I seemed a little too secretive about tho
Is too you but I wanted it to be a surprise. Sweetie Bell only found out because she had spotted it and had to undergo a Pinkie Promise. So, cheers to you, Mum.
Love, Charity.
She re-read the whole piece over and over many times. It was written in such beautiful calligraphy that it was mystical.it was too much for Rarity. She broke down on the spot and sobbed pitifully.
Pinkie Pie returned to the bakery with the best smile she could muster, which for once was a little tougher than usual. Mr. And Mrs. Cake had asked where Lucky was. They had really learned to love that filly like an aunt and uncle. Pinkie simply told them that she was staying at Twilight's for the night. The Cakes didn't quite buy it and were curious why Pinkie didn't sound as bouncy as she normally was, but reluctantly decided to let it pass. When Pinkie trotted upstairs to her room, she just couldn't avoid all the pictures of either her and Lucky, or just Lucky on her own. There were family ones, mutual ones, party ones, and just plain crazy ones. She just couldn't get the little pink springball out of her head. She was trying hard to convince herself that she was going to come back soon, that everything is going to be alright in the end, and then they could make more cupcakes together. All day in fact, and of course, have parties together again. They also needed to finish their planning for the adoption party. She wanted the whole of Ponyville to know. She even invited her old friend Cheese Sandwich to come and help out. That was Lucky's idea.
But deep down she was scared. Scared that she was never going to see the happy filly ever again. She lost the fake smile once she got into bed. Got, not hopped. The filly had a natural talent in making everypony smile no matter how hard or what pony it was. That was what she craved. That night, the usually happy party mare fell into a sad sleep of memories and make me better dreams.
Dash tossed and turned in her bed. She just couldn't fall asleep. For once. Normally she would be totally lights out once she hit the soft pillow. At first she figured it was because her usual afternoon snooze gave her more energy, but that theory soon got turned down in denial. Tonight was different. She kept seeing things in her bed beside her. Either a small lump in the bed, or a mop of different coloured hair coming from the quilt, or just a bunch of bright colours. It was starting to creep her out a little. I mean seeing imaginary things in your bed next to you? How is it not creepy? Groaning, she turned over and spied a Daring Do book on the nearby nightstand. It was the first book of the series. If the kid was going to be an awesome pony then she'd have to read the most awesome stories ever created. They only started the book the other night, but were already half way through. Those thoughts of reading the next few chapters to her own new kid, filled Rainbows head. She quickly tossed over, avoiding the mocking look of the book, waiting to be read by her to the little blue pegasus. She was ever so tempted to turn back over, but held herself down and fell into a dreamless sleep.
Although calmed down somewhat eventually leaving the library, Fluttershy rushed home with tears in her eyes yet again. She was half hoping to see the little filly, her little filly waiting for her quietly in the cottage. But instead of a hug with open loving arms and a smile, nothing but silence greeted her. At dinner it wasn't any better she instinctively set out an extra smaller dish out on the table. Seeing it made her even more sad, and Angel bunny fussing over to where his secret crush was, didn't help the matter at all.
After a very quiet dinner, well quieter than normal, Fluttershy went to her bed, their bed. Serenity was still a little reluctant with the idea of sleeping on her own. But if course Fluttershy couldn't sleep, she just stared at the picture of her and her filly that was sitting on the nightstand, while clutching her soft green blanket with butterflies tightly to her chest.
Little ever blossom, that was what she'd call her sometimes. A rather suiting pet name really. She reached over and brought the picture close, pretending that she was cuddling the filly herself. Beside her was a little green blanket folded neatly. She brought it close and indulged its scent. It smelled of wild flowers, like her. Fluttershy cried herself to sleep, her silent tears dripping on the two objects in her grasp.
On the hill that looks over Ponyville, a figure rose and formed from the black murky shadow that covered half of the hill. He smiled to himself.
"Those little brats are going to be taken care of once and for all, I will assure that. I care not if I have to fight off a bunch of enraged 'mothers'. They have no power to defeat me, especially without their Elements of Harmony". He turned to face toward the large mansion on the outskirts of town, "Don't worry little princess, your hatred of those little misfits will soon blemish, and your wish will most certainly come true". He laughed evilly and merged in with the shadows once more.
But he was completely unaware that he was being watched himself. A pair of yellow and red eyes appeared on a nearby tree on that hill. A huge frown, quite the opposite of the Cheshire Cat, appeared under the eyes.
"Oh Celly is not going to like this", the face vanished from the tree and a mischievous Draconquus shape made his way back to Canterlot castle.
In the Toby Universe ...
Twilight sat contently as she watched her, daughter as she would now get used to, run around fetching books from low enough shelves and making a pile that matched her own height. She was quite happy actually that this little filly had a keen interest onto what she also loved. But it vexed her to why she had yet to go near the books on the high shelves. Granted there were ladders that didn't slide very far, but she still had her wings. She looked around the room to see her friends and nephew interact in different ways towards the fillies. Dash and Vibrant went out for a little fly by since they couldn't stand being cooped up inside any longer than they already have. Especially if it's on a nice hot day like this one. Rarity had taken the little pristine Trottingham filly upstairs to get her tail washed from the, ich. The others were just together in conversations with each other.
Her daydreaming was interrupted by the sound of banging on the ground behind her. She turned to see Trinity jumping trying to get a book on a high shelf. It was obvious she wasn't succeeding at it though. Chuckling to herself, Twilight decided to help out. She casually walked over and handed her the book. She didn't really need to use magic since for her it wasn't high at all. With a slight blush, Trinity took the book with her muzzle and went to place it on the top of her pile.
"If you don't mind me asking, why do you only get the books in your reach and not levitate or fly to get higher ones?" Twilight finally asked her.
"Well mom, er... I mean Twilight, I need to save my energy for a spell to return us home, and I'm not that great of a flyer. I'm worse than Serenity when she actually is flying", came a rather low self-esteem answer.
"If your more comfortable calling mom, it's alright. I won't mind", Twilight spoke softly as she brought a wing around her daughter for a tight hug. "So what if your not the greatest flyer. It's what makes you, you. You are who you are and nothing can change that". She didn't know why, but she felt like she knew this filly forever, like a mother would feel and she liked it. Now she knows how Fluttershy feels all the time.
What she didn't know is that the very filly she was thinking of felt the same. Different world or not, this mare was still Twilight. She was still her mom. Full of comfort and compassion. She reached in and nuzzled her chest like she would never see her again, specks of tears in her fiercely shut eyes.
Feeling something wet, Twilight looked down. Her heart melted when she saw that the girl was crying silently with a few hiccups. Poor thing must be homesick. In return, Twilight tightened her embrace and nuzzled the little midnight blue mane that smelt of wild berries.
Up in the washroom, Rarity was cribbing the filly's tail in the sink with berry scented shampoo and a scrubbing brush. Charity just sat patiently through the whole procedure, that was until she let out a big yawn. The mare noticed and smiled,
"Feeling a little tired aren't we?" She asked full heartedly.
"Well, I am feeling rather drowsy. Must be the warm weather", the filly answered with a chuckle.
"I guess the warm weather does have that effect on some ponies".
"And I seem be one of them".
Both ponies laughed together at their common sense of humour. It turned quiet again while Rarity rinsed and towel dried the blond tail. It wasn't until a little awkward silence later that Rarity finally asked something that was really bugging her a lot since she came here.
"If a lady may ask, but who is your father?" She questioned carefully. She begged to dear Celestia that it want that sorry excuse for a prince, Blueblood. The colt would be no better in a pig sty if he didn't change his tune before, well ever!
"Actually, I don't have a father", came a calm answer. "It's just myself and mother, and sometimes Sweetie Belle too. I don't call her Aunt because she complained that it made her sound old".
Whew, what a relief.
She tried to make a compassionate 'oh' in comfort, trying to hide her relief. She didn't want to seem relieved that she didn't have a father. That would be mean and completely un-ladylike. She continued to wash the filly's tail, rinsing it of the soapy suds under the warm tap, and then drying it thoroughly with a clean towel.
"Then we are. All clean dear", Rarity chirped in a happy tone. She watched as the young filly checked her tail, ever so happy that it was all clean and snot-free. But her smile turned a little bit which confused the mare. Wasn't she just over the moon a second ago?
"Are you alright dear?" Rarity asked in a gentle tone worriedly.
"Hm? Oh, yes I'm fine. Maybe just a little homesick", came the quiet reply.
Out of instinct, Rarity pulled the girl close into a cuddle. At first they were both a little confused to why? But soon the filly nudged closer for the comfort. Rarity herself tried to sought out why as well. At first she just figured it was because of her experience of minding Toby, that this was just instinct. But at the same time. It was different.
Both girls just sat ther in the middle of the bathroom. Holding each other close, while rocking a little for comfort.
Downstairs most of the ponies were doing there own thing. Applejack, Pinkie, Season and Lucky we're just happy chatting away to each other about various things. Meanwhile, in the corner of the room where there was a little coffee table, sat the small but snug family of Fluttershy, Toby and Serenity.
"So Serenity, how are you feeling? It must be different here than to what your used to", Fluttershy asked the green filly. She in return just shrugged. Fluttershy sighed full heartedly. She was trying to get her to talk a little since she hasn't spoken one word since the meet.
"Please Sweetie, say something just to let me know your alright", the butter mare begged in worry.
"Momma, maybe she just isn't ready to speak", Toby comforted/reasoned. She reminded him of how he was when he suddenly appeared in his momma's home. It frightened him to an extent where he wouldn't talk to anyone for a while until her was sure that he was comfortable. Serenity is just the same. She had been transported here so suddenly that it was so scary, she won't muster anything. He turned to the filly and brought his arm around her shoulders bringing her close, "It's okay. I'll protect you when you're here and be the best big brother to you I possibly can be", she comforted.
"That makes both of us", Fluttershy whisper sped to them as she wrapped her wing around the new siblings. She was so proud of her boy, taking his role as a big brother so well, and so ready.
The filly looked up at the two hugging her. She looked at Fluttershy who had a warm smile on her muzzle mixed with those kind eyes she was so used to. She then glanced to her other side where this boy, Toby, was doing the same. She felt her face warm a little as she tried not to blush. She smiled.
It was all going so well, until each one of the filly's in the room started to glow, each one blinding with light. Everyone else in the room had to cover their eyes from the light that sored their eyes. When the lights started to fade, they looked to see what damage was done. With eyes gone wide and mouths hanging open, they couldn't even squeak to what had happened to their new friends.
