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              Nightshine's Incredible Journey              
                      -by Foal Star-                       
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             Chapter one: The Adventure Begins             
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Chapter one: The Adventure Begins
A young light grey bat pony filly sat underneath a lone maple tree with a gentle breeze blowing in her dark green mane and tail. Orange and red leaves fluttered around her as they danced on the wind. She was staring at the sky with her baby blue eyes when she suddenly felt something crash into her, whipping her head and body back as they both fell to the grass below. She got up to see a small dark brown earth pony colt rolling on the ground laughing. She spat the dirt from her mouth and pounced on him, shouting, “Alright, Short Stroke. You’ve earned a visit from the tickle monster!”
She tickled the young colt’s belly, making him laugh even more until he sputtered, “You win Nightshine!”
Nightshine helped Short Stroke stand up, revealing his wild black mane along with his scruffy tail. That also had the same black color as his mane. He was smiling with his  light yellow eyes gleaming in the sunlight he chirped, “Look what I got!”
He then took off a small satchel around his neck and took out a few wrapped apple fritters. Nightshine gasped, “Did you steal those?”
He chuckled as he threw one into Nightshine’s hooves. “No, I made them for you, silly.”
Nightshine unwrapped one of the treats and began to nibble on it, gently smiling at the young colt.
“Happy Birthday, Nightshine,”
She blushed as she whispered, “Thank you,Short Stroke.”
She then began to tousle his mane gently, slowly stroking it. She saw him shiver a bit then whimper a bit as he cooed, “That feels good.”
She laughed, “I bet it does.”
She stopped and let him fall into her and let him nuzzle her coat as they both laid back on the grass. They stood there for a while until he pouted and asked, “Nightshine do you love me?”
Nightshine giggled and whispered, “Of course, you're like a little brother to me.”
He turned towards her and replied, “But why me?”
She smiled at him. “Remember when we first met? I was being picked on for my wings and you stepped in and tried to fight the bullies.”
Short Stroke muttered under his breath, “I just got beat up and was grounded for a month.”
He messed around with her mane a bit more. “Besides, you have to protect me more then I need to protect you.”
Nightshine sighed. “It’s because you helped me that I've become fond of you.”
Tears started to form in Short Stack’s eyes “T-Thank you, Nightshine...”
“Everypony inside now!” A mare yelled at the top of her voice, motioning all of the fillies and colts to come inside.
“Looks like we have to cut our celebration early.” Short Stack groaned and marched towards the building.
Nightshine nuzzled his ear as she got up onto her hooves. “Thank you for the treat, by the way. You're the best.”
Short Stack pounced on her back and hugged her neck as she trotted to the building they call home.
In the darkened hall of the orphanage, the orphans were lining up from oldest to youngest.
An old grey unicorn with fierce angry blue eyes looked over to see Nightshine and Short Stroke to be the last two ponies that came though. She glared at them and shouted, “Nightshine Short Stroke come here now!”
They both trotted slowly up to her. She glared at them coldly and asked, “So when I asked you two to come, where in Celestia’s name were you?”
Short Stroke started shaking all over and looked at the ground. He didn’t really have any response to her question and thought about the punishment that he would receive.
The unicorn responded with a sneer, “Poor Short Stroke, crying like always. You’re a pathetic excuse for a colt.”
He started to tear up at the mare’s words.
“We were just playing outside Mrs. Serenity.” Nightshine ran in front of Short Stroke.
“Maybe being grounded for a few days should teach both of you to be more prudent! Now get in line!” Serenity barked, thrusting her hoof behind her towards the other children.
Nightshine went to the front while Short Stroke slowly left to the back of the line. They didn’t even let a single breath slip as they walked.
            “Now some ponies will be by to see you all today. I need you to be on your best behavior and to try to not scare them off.” Serenity ordered, treating the orphans like a drill sergeant would teach his recruits. “Remember: you are trying to get adopted.”
Yeah like i’ll ever be adopted.  Nightshine hung her head in silence.
Serenity completed the inspection of all of her kids. When she allowed them to, the fillies and colts went to the main room where they just milled about or played board games with each other.
Short Stroke went up to Nightshine and asked, “Um, Nightshine can you come here?”
He then lead her to a group of younger foals around his age. He then pointed to a little dark yellow filly pegasus with a black mane and dark green eyes. “That’s Honeycomb,” he said before going off to another orphan. It was another filly who was passing a ball to a unicorn colt with a light blue coat, dark blue eyes, and a combed dark brown mane and tail. “That's Chrono”
Nightshine smiled and waved a hoof to both Honeycomb and Chrono. She sat down with them along with Short Stroke. She saw that he took something out of his satchel. “Now, we all know that we'll never be adopted, right?”
“But we will. I mean everypony gets adopted eventually… Right?” Honeycomb whispered.
”Really? Look at us. We're all different.” Short Stroke mumbled as he paced between the other ponies. “Chrono, you're smart but can't use magic; Honeycomb, you're nice but can't fly; As for me… I’m stupid; And Nightshine, you're a bat pony.” He looked over at Nightshine. “We'll never be adopted unless we find somepony to adopt us ourselves.”
“What are you saying Short Stroke?” Nightshine raised a brow at him.
“We’re getting out of this place.” He smirked and digged into his satchel again. “And I know just how to do it.”
The other ponies gasped.
“You can't be serious.” Nightshine turned to Short Stroke and whispered in his ears.
Short Stroke looked back at Nightshine. “Nightshine, if we stay here we could never be adopted. Don’t you… Don’t you want to feel the warmth of a daddy or a mommy?”
Nightshine turned her head to see the other ponies all looking down at her hooves. They all said nothing as they simply looked down.
She sighed. “Short Stroke has a point. I've been here the longest and I've seen many ponies age out. It’s horrible that they’ll never get to feel love from a mother or a father. I don't want that to happen to any of you.”
“But we can't the gate is to high and the door is always locked.” Chrono whimpered. “What’s worse is that if we get caught we’ll be grounded for months.”
Honeycomb started to tear up before two earth ponies came in. As if on cue, the rest of the children charged into the two ponies.
Short Stroke got up and readied his equipment. “So, are we doing this?”
Nightshine eyes went wide. “You mean now?”
Honeycomb was shaking all over as Chrono helped her up onto her hooves. Even when she was standing up, she found it hard to keep her balance.
Then Short Stroke whispered, “This is the perfect time. If we act now, we can get away before Serenity or anyone else notices.”
Chrono sighed, seeing the couple of ponies get ran over by the fillies and colts. ”Let’s go.” He nodded.
Honeycomb was crying a bit as Nightshine hugged her and let her play with her mane. They then snuck through the crowd of other colts and fillies, making sure not to get seen by anyone else as the ponies’ attention was fixated on the other children more.
The four orphans went down the hallway, with Short Stroke in front. They went through two big cafeteria doors and crossed through the vacant benches towards the kitchen in the back. They crept up to the doors and pushed them open, sneaking into the darkened kitchen. There was a large back door with a cart of apples sitting delicately beside it.
Nightshine smiled at the sight of Short Stroke’s plan. She watched him clamber up on the back and help his friends climb up. With her climbing onto the cart the last, the four ponies hid themselves within the piles of apples.
She took one final look back at the orphanage and looked at Short Stroke with tears welling up in her eyes. She knew that this would be a fruitless endeavour and that it would be impossible for them all to find a mother and father to look after them. She fought back against her tears and stayed perfectly still, so as not to disturb the apples and give the whole group away.
“Nightshine, I'm sorry for dragging you into this, but I couldn't just leave you behind.” Short Stroke put his hoof on Nightshine’s shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I didn’t want you having to wait for a mom or dad in there.”
“It's alright.” She gently gave him a small hug. “I don't know if this a good idea. But I couldn't just leave you alone. I told you that I'll always be with you, no matter what.”
He nuzzled her cheek and patted her on the back as she held him close. The two friends hung their heads and drifted off to sleep with Chrono and Honeycomb as the applecart began to move, taking them away from the orphanage and off on a long road to parts unknown.

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                Chapter two: A race of time                
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Chapter two: A race of time
Nightshine woke with a jolt and looked up to see a giant red earth pony stallion looking down at him. She shrieked as the the giant red stallion stumbled backwards against a nearby tree.
“Nightshine what's wrong?!” Short Stroke looked all around him trying to find her in the apples.
Chrono and Honeycomb both woke up and poked through the apples as they looked at the stallion with wide eyes. It was then that they saw another pony with a wavy brown mane and tail. The pony was a stallion who wore a blue plaid shirt. He approached the stallion and held out his hoof.
”Big Mac? What’s going on here?” The stallion asked, looking back and forth between him and the four children.
Big Mac said nothing as he climbed to his hooves and pointed at the orphans. “Now, what are you four doing in my applecart?”
“I’m sorry, sir. We’re all orphans and we were just trying to find a new home.” Nightshine climbed out of the cart and landed delicately on her hooves.
Short Stroke jumped out and fought back against the tears in his eyes. “Please don't give us back to the orphanage! We’ll be adopted long before they ever figure out were gone!”
“So you four are from an orphanage?” The brown stallion walked up to the children as Chrono and Honeycomb climbed out as well.
Honeycomb nodded and whimpered, “Yeah. We came here because we'll never be adopted.”
Chrono looked at the stallions with tears forming in his eyes. “Will you help us get adopted, mister?”
The pony turned to Big Mac and asked, “You think we should help them?”
Big Mac shrugged. He wasn’t good with adoption scenarios and decided to remain silent. Then the other pony turned to the four who were all pouting and whimpering. “Alright, you four.  Come with me and I'll help figure something out.”
They all yipped in glee and bounced on the spot before following the pony through the town. They watched ponies trotting back and forth through the streets with its vibrant colours and energy. To see such life, such tranquility, and such peace seemed alien to the four. All that they did for the journey was watch in awe.
“Is this place Ponyville?” Chrono asked.
“Yeah it is, what gave it away?” The stallion nodded.
Chrono pointed to the statue of Celestia and chirped with a grin on her face. “Ponyville is the only town with a statue of Princess Celestia.”
“Ponyville…” Nightshine whispered to herself. “I've heard of this place. This is where Princess Twilight lives.”
“A princess…” Short Stroke looked at the ground and saw his hooves begin to shake. He had never encountered a princess in his life.
The pony turned his head and saw that they were still a bit dirty from the ride over. He turned his head back and gave them a gentle smile. “Let's get to know each other more. My name is Filthy Rich.”
“My name is Short Stroke,” the brown earth pony colt replied.
             “I’m Nightshine,” the bat pony filly added.
             “Honeycomb. That’s my name,” the yellow filly squeaked quietly.
          “My name is Chrono.”
          ”Alright. Short Stroke, Nightshine, Honeycomb, and Chrono. It’s nice to meet all of you.” Filthy Rich nodded.
          He looked back ahead and heard the four orphans gasp together as they saw another building. It was three stories tall with purple-coloured double doors. He opened them up and walked in with the children close behind him.
Nightshine’s eyes grew wide as she looked around and saw that the place was very well-furnished. Chrono was already at a nearby bookshelf picking between the different titles on the spines. Short Stroke was bouncing on the couch with Honeycomb. Together, the four orphans were having a lot of fun together.
“So Nightshine? How old are you?” Filthy asked as he walked up to her.
           She looked up at him and said. “Ten years old.”
“Well, I'm going to be frank with you.” His tone of voice lowered. “I know that you and your friends want to be adopted but I'm sure it'll be against the law for me or anyone else to keep you.”
            “I know, I know.” She let out a sigh. “This whole thing was Short Stroke’s idea and I just played along. I never had the heart to tell him that this wouldn't work.”
             Filthy replied, “Well it's not all bad. I can take you all to Princess Twilight and see what we can do.”
              “You’re friends with Princess Twilight?” The children all pricked up their ears, turned to Filthy, and spoke in perfect sync with each other.
              ”Yep. Her and all of her friends.” Filthy Rich nodded. “Heck, she saved all of Equestria many times over. She’s very accepting of making new friends. And if she kind find some loophole and I can find you food homes, I’ll do all that I can to get you little ones to some nice new mommies and daddies.” He tousled the manes of all four orphans. “And let’s be honest here. None of you deserve to go back to the orphanage.”
    Nightshine began to shed tears and ran right into Filthy’s chest and hugged him. She was shortly joined by her other friends who all looked up to him with smiles in their eyes. They had never seen such an act of kindness before and were very grateful to him for all that he was doing for them. They would not forget this for a long time.
          Twilight flew towards Filthy’s house with Spike sitting delicately on her back. She landed at the doors and opened them up to see him on the floor laughing with the four orphans crawling over him and cuddling into his clothes.
“Uh… What’s going on here?” Twilight raised a brow at Filthy and the children.
The four little ponies looked up and gasped, seeing Princess Twilight standing at the door. They all gasped and quickly got off of Filthy and bowed to her.
“It’s alright.” She chuckled and blushed at each cheek. “Who are you?”
They all exchanged glances with each other and gulped before Nightshine bravely stepped forward.
“Princess Twilight, We’re orphans who… kinda ran away from the orphanage.” She rubbed the back of her neck.
“I understand. You were tired of waiting for someone to adopt you, so out of curiosity, ou broke away from the orphanage and wanted to find parents yourselves.” Twilight cracked a small smile. “It’s very brave of all of you.”
“Thank you, Twilight.” Short Stroke smiled himself. “Can I call you that?”
“Sure. Everyone else calls me that, even the other princesses.” She nodded and walked up to Filthy Rich. “Well, we have some big pony stuff to talk about, so Spike would love to play with you upstairs.”
“Wait, what?!” Spike jumped back. “Why me?
    “Please, Spike. It shouldn’t be for too long.” She gave him a caring smile and pushed him towards the fillies.
    “Alright, alright.” Spike grunted and walked off with the ponies close behind him.
Twilight waited for the orphans to be out of earshot before she turned to Filthy. “So what happened? How did they leave the orphanage?”
“Big Mac usually delivers apples to the orphanage and was coming back from a trip,” he said. “They must’ve snuck into his carriage and hitched a ride here. I only saw them because I was coming to collect some of those apples for my store. I didn’t realise that he’d brought back four orphan foals as well.”
Twilight nodded and slipped into a deep train of thought for a few moments. She wondered about the future for the four children. Where they would go. Who would adopt them. And what their orphanage would think about them escaping in the first place.
“So, you do know that they have to go back to the orphanage, right?” Twilight asked.
    “Twilight, those four were really desperate to find parents.” Filthy pleaded to Twilight. “Can’t we help adopt them instead?”
    “I could help them get adopted, but I’m going to have to inform the orphanage immediately about what's going on.” Twilight nodded and pulled out a quill from the nearby ink pot and accompanied it with a scroll of paper. “Though, I can’t imagine the repercussions of the children’s actions.”
    “I know. That gives us maybe a few hours to find homes for them.” Filthy nodded and looked out of the window. “I just hope that everything works out fine on your end.”
    “I’m sure it will, Filthy.” Twilight walked up to him and laid her hoof on his shoulder. “I wouldn’t want to send orphans back to an orphanage, but they did escape and despite their good intentions, I have no choice. No-one, not even me or Celestia is safe from the law.”
    “Twilight, it’s fine. You don't have to be so defensive about the situation.” Filthy looked back at her. “The four of them are children in need and I already said that we’d help them out. If they want to get angry and involve the cops, then I’ll stand by and risk my store just to keep them safe.”
    “Thank you.” Twilight smiled and gave him a gentle nuzzle. “I apologize for getting carried away.”
“Hey. It’s nothing you can’t handle, right?” Filthy smirked. “You faced such monsters like Nightmare Moon, Discord, Lord Tirek, and more. I’m sure you can handle four children.”
Twilight laughed at that remark and sighed gently. “You’re right. We can do this.” She took the quill and paper. “I’ll go write a letter to the caretaker now.”

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            Chapter three: Nightshine's Request            
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Chapter three: Nightshine's Request
    Twilight climbed the steps of Filthy Rich’s house and heard shouting from one of the rooms. She pressed her ear to the wood and heard Spike and the orphans laughing. Twilight took a peek and saw the foals were running around the room with Spike chasing them.
Eventually, he got Nightshine, who immediately turned on her heels and darted after him. She leapt up high and came crashing down on him, causing the both of them to tumble to the ground.
“Gotcha!” She climbed up off of Spike.
“Alright, you got me.” He got onto his feet and brushed away some of the dirt.
Twilight opened the door and walked inside. “So, are you all doing alright?”
The four looked up at Twilight with excitement and pounced into Twilight’s lap. They all tried to snuggle her, causing her to laugh and fall to the floor.
Short Stroke rubbed his head into Twilight's belly. Feeling her body, he whispered,” You're so warm.”
Twilight sighed as the orphans continued to bury themselves into her fur. “I apologize in advance, but I need to talk to you about something.”
The ponies got off and looked up at Twilight. Spike came up and sat among the little colts and fillies before Filthy Rich came up to see the ponies all together.
“Now I know that you all want to be adopted, but you left the orphanage and I’m going to have to tell the caretaker.” Twilight frowned
The ponies gasped as Nightshine shook her head wildly. “We can't go back! Not now, not ever!”
Honeycomb began to whimper and Chrono Teared up as Short Stroke began to cuddle them both.
“I know you don’t want to go back to that place, but on the bright side, I can try to help you find some parents.” Twilight gently stroked their backs.
Nightshine let a second gasp slip from her lips. “Y-You’re going to help get us adopted?!”
    “I’ll do my best.” Twilight gave Nightshine a maternal smile.
    “Twilight, I’m sorry. This… This is all my fault.” Short Stroke choked as he walked forward and hung her head. Twilight brushed his mane and looked at him with kind eyes.
Filthy Rich then said, ” So I guess we should try to find them a home now.”
“Right. Let's find these orphans some new homes.” Twilight gave him a smile and a nod before she brought the fillies and colts into a big hug.
They all shouted and cheered in glee and raced downstairs with Twilight, giving Filthy Rich a small smile as he bowed his head and climbed back down the stairs.
“So… Did you lie to them or are we really going to find them parents?” Spike raised a brow at Twilight as he walked down the stairs with her.
“Truth be told, I’m not so sure, Spike.” Twilight looked at Short Stack, Nightshine, Honeycomb, and Chrono. “They seemed so desperate. It would break their hearts if I let them down…”
Filthy Rich was putting on his finest suit when Nightshine came up to him. “Uh, Filthy Rich? I need to ask you something.”
“Well, ask me anything, sweetheart.” He tousled her mane.
“Is Twilight lying to us?” She raised her eyebrows.
Filthy Rich froze up as he looked down at the filly. He was unsure of whether or not Twilight would be able to pull it off. “No, she isn't. In fact, she has me in charge of helping you find homes.”
Nightshine sighed. “How long do we have?”
Filthy Rich thought for a few moments. “A few hours at best. Maybe more, I can’t be sure.”
She sat on the couch and let out a long sigh as she slammed her body down, one of her hooves dangling over the edge. “This was such a stupid plan. I should’ve stopped Short Stroke when I had the chance.”
“Are you two close?” He asked, looking at the discouraged Nightshine.
She nodded. “Short Stroke is like a little brother to me.”
“So this is all for him?”
“I came because I was scared for him. He’s always getting into trouble. But he cares more for others than himself.” She looked at Short Stroke with the other ponies. “I just don’t want him to be alone. That’s all.
“Would he have left without you?” Filthy asked.
She shook her head. “He would’ve came back if I stayed.”
“I shouldn't have asked that, should I?” He sighed himself and slumped back into the couch himself.
“Just promise me one thing. If you do find a home for him but no pony wants me, don't tell him. I don't want him to go back to the orphanage.” She looked up to him.
Filthy Rich held her close and let her hold him close. “I promise I'm going to find you and Short Stroke a home.” He leaned into her ear and whispered.
Nightshine gently pushed him away “Just promise me that, please.”
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” He nodded, gently stroking her mane.
“Thank you.” She shed a single tear and hugged him once again before she jumped off of the couch, feeling more determined than ever.
Filthy Rich walked towards the door where he saw the orphans looking each other over, trying to comb their manes and cleaning themselves for their presentations to their new potential parents. The foals were arguing and fussing over how they looked most of the time.
“Hey, you look fine now.” Filthy walked up to them and gently rubbed their shoulders to distill the tension. “Now, I need you four to pay full attention. While we're out you're going to need to follow three simple rules. First, you stay together; Second, no exploring on your own; Finally, listen to everything I say until we find you some new parents. Alright?”
They all nodded together.
“So where are we going first?” Short Stroke tilted his head to the side.
“We’re going to see a pony who knows everypony in Ponyville.” Filthy smiled and opened the door to the outside world.
“Who's that?” Nightshine asked as she trotted out with the other orphans in tow.
“Just you wait and see.” He smiled and closed the door behind him, making sure to lock it up tight. Once he was done, he and Twilight accompanied the foals into the town.
“Oh, they’re so adorable!” In Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie cuddled the four orphans as tight as she could, almost suffocating them. “I just want to eat them all up and poop them out again!”
“Thanks, but could you let go?” Nightshine’s face was beginning to turn blue due to lack of oxygen.
“Oopsie! Sorry about that!” Pinkie immediately let go of the foals. “I got carried away.”
“So are you going to help us find parents?” Chrono began shaking in anticipation.
“Of course I will!” Pinkie then heard the children’s stomachs begin to rumble. “But first, you four must be starving. Do you like cupcakes?” She immediately produced a tray of cupcakes, all different colours and flavours.
The orphans bounced in their seats as Pinkie put the tray down on the table. They all reached over for the cupcakes and took three each, choosing between the different colours on display.
”Hey, Pinkie, do you really know everypony in Ponyville?” Chrono lit up as he digged into his cupcake, some of the frosting already on his mouth.
“Yes indeedy! Everyone except you four!” Pinkie nodded. “We should get to know each other right away!”
“I'm Short Stroke.” He pointed towards himself. “I’m going to turn five next month and I love board games and playing hoofball.”
”Then you and I are gonna get along just fine, Shorty!” Pinkie smiled. “Do you mind if I call you that?”
“As much as I would get a bit mad at that name, coming from you, it doesn’t seem half bad.” Short Stroke rubbed the back of his head and began to blush.
    “My name is Chrono.” He nodded and bit into his cupcake once more. “I love fixing things and reading books.”
    “Ooh! So you’re an egghead like Twilight?”
“A bit.” Chrono nodded. “Though, I like to call myself special or talented if that’s alright with you.”
    “H-Hi. I’m Honeycomb.” Some of her hair drooped down over her face. “And… I like flowers.”
    “I like flowers too. Especially the super-duper yummy ones!” Pinkie pulled a flower out of nowhere and bit into it, causing Honeycomb to laugh.
“And I’m Nightshine.” She finally added, swallowing the last bit of her first cupcake. “I’m the oldest of the group at nine years old, and I don’t really have any talents.”
“Aww, c’mon. I'm sure you're good at something.” Pinkie Pie slid up next to Nightshine and gently elbowed her hooves. “What do you like doing?”
“Well, I do like helping other ponies.” Nightshine smiled and looked at her friends from the orphanage.
“I’m great at helping ponies too,” she said.
“Well I think you can help us find loving ponies to care of these little wonders, Pinkie.” Filthy  Rich nodded and looked down at the children. “So you four eat up and tell me when you’re ready!”
The four orphans returned to their cupcake meals, diving into their second ones, getting the icing all over their face once again. Using their tongues and hooves, they very messily licked their lips clean before taking another bite, essentially putting the grime they had taken off right back on.
When the foals started on their last cupcakes, Short Stack sighed and slid his hoof across the table.
“What's wrong, Short Stroke?” Nightshine noticed that her friend had stopped.
“Nightshine, I have to admit. I didn't think this would actually work.” He exhaled heavily. “In fact, I only went through with my plan because I was worried about you.”
“Worried?” Nightshine parroted.
“Yeah.” Short Stroke took a small nibble out of his last cupcake. “Who cares about whether or not I get adopted? I didn’t want to see you suffer in a place like that for the rest of your life.”
“You didn't have to do all of this for me, Short Stroke, I wouldn’t have been able to have this much of a chance without your plan.” Nightshine looked into his eyes.
“I know. That’s why I decided to hide in the cart with you, Chrono, and Honeycomb.” He swallowed his food. “Despite my efforts, I didn't want you to lose hope.”
“So do you think we can find parents now?” Nightshine asked once he had eaten his food.
“I sure hope so, Nightshine.” Short Stroke laid one of his hooves on her shoulders. “I don’t want you to be sad because of what I did. If anything, I want you to feel happy that I’m helping you find parents.
“Thank you, Short Stroke. Thank you.” Nightshine teared up and pulled Short Stroke into a little hug.
After they were done embracing each other, Short Stroke jumped off of his seat and followed Pinkie as she walked back to the kitchen. He gently tugged on the back of her left foreleg and looked up at her.
”What’s up, Shorty?” Pinkie turned around and looked back at him
“Can I make a request?” Short Stroke gently banged his hooves together.
“Sure! Anything for my new friend!” Pinkie Pie slipped into an apron. “So what would you like?”
“Well it’s not for me exactly.” He lightly chuckled. “I want to make a birthday cake for Nightshine, but I don’t know how to do it. Can you help me?”
“Sure, Shorty!” Pinkie Pie lead him into the kitchen. “Follow me, and I’ll teach you the ABCs of baking a cake!”
As Short Stroke followed Pinkie into the kitchen, he took one more look back at Nightshine. No matter what, he wanted to make sure that at least she got adopted. He would do anything to make her happy, and he would always stand beside her, no matter the cost.

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           Chapter four: The resolve of Orphans            
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Chapter four: The resolve of Orphans
Short Stroke was helping Pinkie decorate the cake with pink frosting. Despite his lack of ability in baking, he was a very fast learner and had decorated the cake quite cleanly.
“Short Stroke, where did you learn to bake?” Pinkie gasped at the finished creation
“I used to help the cafeteria in the orphanage.” He leapt off of the stool. “I never actually made anything myself, so I’m feeling pretty proud of myself for doing this.” He smiled briefly, but then ended up sighing.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Pinkie Pie walked up to Short Stroke
“Nightshine thinks we're not going to get adopted.” Short Stroke looked back at Pinkie. “I'm beginning to think that this wasn’t the best plan that I’ve ever had.”
“Aww, c’mon, frowny pants. I know you and her’ll get adopted!” Pinkie rubbed his back. “Every orphan finds parents eventually. Just give it time.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence there, Pinkie. But I don’t think it’ll help this situation.”
“You never know, Shorty.” Pinkie winked at him. “An orphan doesn’t stay in an orphanage forever, much like a cake doesn’t last forever. Sooner or later, they both go. Children to their parents, and cake into mouths.”
“I’ve gotta take this cake to Nightshine.” Short Stroke got back up onto the stool and grabbed onto the cake tray with his mouth. He tried to lift the cake up but found it too heavy for someone of his stature. “Uh, little help?”
“Oh, sure thing, Shorty!” Pinkie took the entire cake and effortlessly put it on her back, carrying it out of the kitchen and over to the table.
    Short Stroke and Pinkie arrived back in the main room with the cake and set it down before Nightshine. As they watched Nightshine examine the cake, they could both see her eyes light up. Feeling accomplished, the two ponies hoof-bumped and watched as Nightshine reached for a slice.
“Pinkie, I’m going to be running some errands for a while. Do you think you ca—” Mrs. Cake walked through the door and noticed the cake sitting at Nightshine’s table “—oh my! Whoever made this?”
    “I did, ma’am.” Short Stroke walked up to Mrs. Cake and nodded.
    “Mrs. Cake! Can you get your husband to come see this too?” Pinkie asked.
“Oh, of course, Pinkie.” And with that, she galloped back into the room she came out of to collect her husband. She quickly returned with him and two babies on their backs.
    “So, what’s your name, little guy?” Mr. Cake approached Short Stroke.
“I'm Short Stroke.” He walked up to the Cakes.
“Nice to meet you, Short Stroke.” Mr. Cake walked up to Short Stroke and shook his off. “So, do you like baking?”
“Yeah. I love baking. It's the only thing I liked back at orphanage besides Nightshine.” He pointed Nightshine out, who was having her first slice of the cake.
Mrs. Cake sighed. “I see. You and Nightshine must be very close.”
“Why are you asking all these questions?” Short Stroke tilted his head.
“This might be a bit sudden but, would you like to be adopted?” Mrs. Cake slowly stepped forward.
    “What did you say?” Short Stroke’s eyes went wide at the question.
    “Would you like me to be your mother?” Mrs. Cake gave him a small smile.
    “I… I don’t know what to say.” He began to shed some tears. “Can you... adopt Nightshine too?”
    “As much as we’d love to, we can't. I’m very sorry.” He showed them the two foals. “Having two mouths to feed is quite a lot as it is. We could handle three, but four might be a bit too much for us. I hope you understand.”
    “I’m sorry, but unless Nightshine finds a family, I can't leave her. I’m sorry.” Short Stroke turned away from the two grown-ups. “She needs me until she gets her own mommy and daddy.”
    “I understand. I shouldn't have asked.” Mr. Cake stepped backwards a few paces.
    “It’s fine, no really.” Short Stroke looked at the two foals on Mr. Cake’s back. “Besides. You have two babies as it is. I don’t want to add on any more stress.”
    As he slowly trotted out the door, Pinkie Pie tried fighting back against the tears in her eyes. Unable to take it anymore, she wiped them and dashed back into the dining room, not even bothering to look back at any of the others.
    Nightshine sighed as she was staring out the window with the autumn breeze blowing multicolored leaves through the air. Filthy Rich sat by her and gently wrapped his hoof around her body. The two of them enjoyed each other’s company and felt very comfortable,
Suddenly, Pinkie came bouncing out of the kitchen with Short Stroke shouting, “Alrighty-tighty! Are you four ready to be adopted?”
“Yeah! Let's go!” Honeycomb and Chrono shouted as they bounced of their seats and ran up to Short Stroke and Pinkie.
“What took you so long?” Nightshine approached Short Stroke.
“Can’t tell ya. It’s a surprise.” He gave Nightshine a gentle wink.
”Now, I need all of you to listen to what I say alright?” Pinkie Pie waved her hoof in front of the four children, who all nodded in unison. “Good. We don’t want any of you getting lost.”
“Hey, I gotta go tend to my shop/” Filthy Rich spoke to Nightshine before turning towards the door. “I'll catch up with you all later.”
“It’s fine. Just remember the promise alright?” Nightshine nodded.
“Yeah. Breaking a Pinkie Promise is the fastest way to lose a friend—” she instantly popped up behind him “—forever!”
Filthy Rich gave her a slight nod and waved at the orphans. “I gotta go. See you soon, children.”
The other three groaned and gave him a goodbye hug, burying themselves in his shirt again. They broke off as Nightshine came in and Filthy Rich held out his hooves. She rushed him with a hug and had her mane brushed by him.
”Bye.” She whispered into his ear and kissed him on the cheek. She quickly returned to the other orphans and watched Filthy leave the building.
“Alright! Let’s go!” Pinkie bounced out of the house and down the street with the orphans following in step. She saw that they were trying to bounce just like her instead of walk, seeing them smile with every jump they took.
Dr Whooves came back from using the bathroom as soon as the other foals left. He came to his seat and saw that the pocket watch he set on the table was ticking. He picked up the watch and put his left ear close to it and heard the mechanism was working perfectly.
“Excuse me. Did you see the pony who fixed this?” He asked Mr and Mrs. Cake
“Um, I think one of the kids that were in here was playing with it.” Mr. Cake looked at the fixed pocket watch. “They’re out in town right now with Pinkie Pie.
“Thank you.” He bowed and ran out the door, following closely behind the other ponies. “Excuse me, foals? Can I speak with one of you for a second?” He called out, getting Pinkie and the others to stop in their tracks.
“Oh! Hey, Doctor. What’s up?” Pinkie waved to him.
“I just wanted to know which of these four little ones was able to fix my pocket watch.” Doctor Whooves paced around the four orphans, examining them all very carefully.
“That was me, sir.” Chrono stepped forward. “I fixed your watch.”
“Well, I have to say that you did an amazing job.” Doctor Whooves shook Chrono’s hoof. “If you grow up, I imagine you have a bright future in clock maintenance someday.”
“Wow. Thanks, mister!” Chrono beamed.
“So, what brings a quad of new foals to Ponyville?” Doctor Whooves asked.
“We’re orphans who ran away from the orphanage and were looking for homes.” Nightshine took a few paces forward. “My name is Nightshine, and these are my friends. Chrono, Honeycomb, and Short Stroke.
“My goodness! Orphans?” Dr Whooves gasped, putting a hoof to his mouth.
“Yep!” Pinkie Pie nodded. “I was just helping these cuties find mommies and daddies of their own.”
“Well, that’s very nice of you, Pinkie.” Doctor Whooves approached Chrono once more. “Oh, I do apologize. I simply can’t stress enough over how much I appreciate your help in fixing my watch, Chrono. Do you like them then?”
“I just like fixing things.” He inwardly shrugged. “I hope I didn’t break it.”
“No. Far from it, in fact.” He looked down at the perfectly repaired watch once more. “I’m actually beyond impressed with it.”
“Well, I think we have a match, don't you agree?” Pinkie Pie smiled and fished out a piece of paper. It was an adoption certificate from the orphanage that the four orphans had come from
“You mean to say that I can adopt him here and now?” Dr Whooves was taken aback with the paper. “Oh my. This is an odd surprise, I must admit.”
“Just sign this form, and he’s all yours!” Pinkie handed him the piece of paper and a quill to sign it with.
“So Dr Whooves is going to be my dad?” Chrono asked as he watched the stallion immediately take the quill and sign his name with it.
“Looks that way, my fine friend. Or should I call you my strapping son?” He looked down at Chrono
, “This… This is too sudden, I...” Chrono whimpered and hugged Dr Whooves, feeling his new father’s hoof wrap around his body. He looked back at his friends and gave them a big hug before he ended up crying.
“Don’t be sad, Chrono. You’ve found your new daddy now.” Nightshine gently stroked his chin. “Don’t waste this chance. We’ll be sure to find our own parents soon as well.
“Thank you, Nightshine. Thank you all!” He sniffled and fought back against his tears before he went back to Dr Whooves. The two of them trotted away back to the Doctor’s house, waving the remaining three orphans goodbye as he trotted away.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
            Chapter Five: Nightshine's Courage             
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter Five: Nightshine's Courage
“You want to do what?!” Spoiled Rich shouted at her husband.
Filthy Rich responded, “Dear, she’s an orphan and so is Short Stroke. We have more than enough bits to care for them and Diamond Tiara all at the same time.”
Spoiled Rich rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Please. Why in the world would I ever want more foals to care for?”
“Darling, if we do this I’ll personally care for Nightshine.” Filthy Rich whispered. “You’d only have Honeycomb and Short Stroke.”
Spoiled raised her eyebrows and cocked her head sideways. “You? I don’t see you as the sentimental type.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Look, darling, I don’t see the reason for adopting orphans. It just seems impracticable.” She shook her head. “And unless I’m mistaken, one of them is a hideous bat-pony.” She shuddered.
“How dare you! She’s a parentless orphan for Celestia’s sake!” Filthy snapped at his wife.
“How dare I?!” Spoiled lurched back and threw her hooves out to each side. “Have you thought of how a batpony will affect our stance in the community?! We’ll lose respect! We’ll become infamous! And most of all, the Rich family name will be dragged through the mud by those rapscallions!
“They’re all orphans who don’t have any parents and are down on their luck! They need love and compassion, unless they’ll be stuck at that dreadful orphanage forever!”
“You... love them?” Spoiled spluttered.
“Of course I do!” Filthy was so close to giving his wife a kick to the face. “Don’t you understand we can do something for them?!”
“Don’t you dare tell me when I can or can’t do something!” Spoiled got up in Filthy’s face and pressed her muzzle against his. “I already have to deal with Diamond Tiara, and she’s recently become more of a nuisance than those pathetic orphans!”
“She’s right though. You treated her like an accessory for so long in trying to turn her into you.” Filthy Rich calmed down and pushed his wife towards the wall. “You have no place in the Rich family with that attitude of yours.”
“No place?!” Spoiled Rich was aghast with her husband’s words. “And you think of yourself as the perfect father? Ever since you signed that deal with the Apple Family, you’ve gotten soft, and forgotten about your contempt for the common pony!”
“Don’t you dare bring Applejack and the Apples into this!” Filthy grabbed Spoiled by her neck and glared into her eyes. “No-one is perfect, that much is true. But I won’t allow you to be a blemish on our family’s rich and vibrant history!
“Uggh! Sometimes, I wonder why you were even born!” She broke away and stomped off towards the gallery. “You know that meeting you have this weekend?! You’re not going to it! You’re not to leave this mansion!” as she slammed the door to her room.
“You’re not the boss of me! You never will be, you spoiled cow!” Filthy chased after his wife.
Unbeknownst to them Diamond Tiara was upstairs looking down at her parents scared to say anything. She quickly and silently tiptoed out of the house and ran to school.
A few hours later….
“Alright! Have a nice day!” Cheerilee waved her hoof as the foals ran out of her schoolhouse. She saw Diamond Tiara run off with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, talking about the adventures that they planned to have.  Cheerilee could only smile, thinking about how hard it must’ve been for Diamond Tiara. The tension between her parents had been getting stronger with each passing day and it would soon lead to a divorce and then a fight between Filthy and Spoiled over who should raise her.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked over their shoulders with their new friend as Filthy Rich greeted them. ”Oh, hello. You must be Diamond Tiara’s new friends,” he said.
”Yep! We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Applebloom approached Filthy, who rubbed the back of his head.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you all.” He began to sweat around his forehead.
“Dad? Are you alright?” Diamond took note of Filthy’s body language.
”Darling, is it alright if I talk with you alone?” He gently pulled her close.
”It’s alright.” Sweetie Belle nodded.
“Yeah! We’ll catch up back at the treehouse!” Scootaloo added.
”Sure, girls. I’ll see you soon.” Diamond waved the Cutie Mark Crusaders as they all darted off towards their clubhouse before turning to face her father. “So, what’s wrong, Dad?
“Darling, a few hours ago, I came across three courageous little foals who need new homes.”
“You mean orphans?” Diamond asked.
“Yes. I talked about adopting them with your mom.” Filthy sighed and hung his head. “She didn't take it too well.”
“I heard the whole argument from upstairs.” Diamond nodded and replied with quiver in her tone. “You and mother were really going at each other’s throats; almost to the point where I thought you were going to break up with each other.”
”Yes. This little dispute can’t be settled through our views alone.” Filthy Rich nodded. “So, why not let you decide? Would you like to have a brother or a sister?”
“Yeah! I would love to have a sibling!” Diamond Tiara exclaimed excitedly.
”That’s wonderful  dear.” Filthy looked around the place for the three orphans. “But first, I need to find them.”
Pinkie Pie was bouncing down the streets of Ponyville with the other foals as Honeycomb drooped her head down, trying to avoid being looked at. Nightshine turned to Short Stroke who was taking in all the sights and sounds as they went down the road.
“Hey, Short Stroke, I need to tell you something.” She tapped on the back of his shoulders.
“Yeah?” He turned to face her.
“I heard you back in sugarcube corner,” Nightshine said.
“You did?” Short Stroke’s eyes went wide.
”I just want to say thank you. But you didn’t have to do that.” She gave a nod and giggled.
“I know, I know. But… I can’t imagine being adopted before you. It just wouldn’t feel right.” Short Stroke shook his head.
“Hi, Miss Cheerilee!” Pinkie Pie bellowed, breaking both Nightshine and Short Stroke’s concentration. “We were just coming to see you!”
“Really? I was coming to see Diamond Tiara about her parents.” Cheerilee examined the towns ponies in the streets before looking down at the three orphans. “Oh my. I didn’t know you had children.”
“No, silly billy.” Pinkie laughed. “They’re not mine. They’re runaway orphans. And believe me, it’s a long story.”
“So… if they’re orphans, could I maybe...” Cheerilee struggled to get the last part of her sentence out. She let out a gulp and said, “...adopt one of them?
Pinkie Pie let out a long gasp. “You will?”
“I would adopt all of you if I could.” Cheerilee thought to herself, looking down at the three of them. She then turned over to see Honeycomb digging through the ground, finding buried flowers. “Hello there. What are you doing?”
Honeycomb looked up at Cheerilee, caressing the flower that she had dug up. “I’m looking for flowers.”
“You like flowers as well?” Cheerilee asked, watching Honeycomb gently brush some of the dirt off of the leaves.
“Yes. I love flowers.” Honeycomb nodded and showed her the clean flower. “I love them more than anything else in Equestria.”
“And what do you like most about them?” Cheerilee asked.
“Well, they’re really pretty.” Honeycomb took back the plant and found some more in the same hole. “I have a dream to own my flower shop.”
Cheerilee wrapped her hoof around Honeycomb and began to tousle her mane. She slowly pulled the filly into her fur as Honeycomb nuzzled it smelling Cheerilee’s scent.
“I’m sorry, but we’re in an itsy-bitsy bit of a hurry. Are you going to adopt?” She fished the adoption papers from her mane.
“Yes. Yes I will.” Cheerilee opened her saddlebags and retrieved a quill. She used it to write down her signature on the paper, underlining her name and giving it a full stop.
”You…  you want to be my mommy?” Honeycomb’s eyes shot wide open as a smile plastered itself onto her face.
“Yes, little Honeycomb. You can call me mom.” Cheerilee hugged Honeycomb.
“I...I don’t know what to say.” Nightshine walked up to Honeycomb and shook her hoof.
“I’m so happy for you, Honeycomb!” Short Stroke gave her his own hug and stroked her mane. “You’ve got your own mommy!
The three foals all hugged each other for a while before they broke it up and let Honeycomb walk off with Cheerilee to her new home.
“So, is it ok I call you mommy?” Honeycomb asked as she walked down the streets with Cheerilee.
“Of course. As long as you don’t mind me calling you my wittle honey.” Cheerilee smiled and playfully winked at her.
”Now it’s our turn.” Nightshine smiled as she watched Honeycomb and Cheerilee turn a corner into another street.
“Yeah! I can’t wait!” Short Stroke bounced up and down on his hooves.
“There you are!”
That voice made both Nightshine and Short Stroke freeze up. They knew that voice perfectly. The spite in her tone, the pitch she was speaking in, and the sound of a unicorn’s horn lighting up. All indistinguishable features of Serenity, the unicorn who worked at the orphanage and held a tight grip on the other orphans.
“No no no no no no no… Not now!” Short Stroke groaned as he turned to face Serenity.
“You two get your sorry flanks over here this instant!” Serenity yelled.
“Hi! Are you new to Ponyville?” Pinkie Pie jumped right in Serenity’s face. “My name’s Pinkie Pie, and these are my two friends, Nightshine and Short Stroke. I’m working to get these two sweet little angels adopted.”
“That’s exactly the reason I’m here.” Serenity used her magic to move Pinkie Pie aside. “My name is Serenity and I’m here to bring these orphans back to where they belong.”
“What?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “B-But, you can’t do that! You clearly said that we had plenty of time to find them parents!”
“I did. A few hours is plenty of time.” Serenity scowled and approached Nightshine and Short Stroke. “But judging by the fact that there are two foals left, it’s safe to say that you failed in your task. Now I’m taking them back to the orphanage; where they shall face strict punishment for their escape.
“Actually…” Nightshine slowly stepped forward. “I’m the only one that you need to take back. Short Stroke already has a home here in Ponyville.”
“Oh really?” Serenity cocked a brow. “With who?”
“The Cakes. Mr and Mrs.” Nightshine pointed over to them.
“Nightshine? What are you doing?!” Short Stroke whispered in her ears.
“Don’t worry about me, Short Stroke.” Nightshine whispered back. “I promised that you’d get adopted and you did. You don’t need me anymore.
“But… But… The orphanage is no place for a friend like you!” Short Stroke tried desperately to protect Nightshine.
“Let’s face it. Nopony wants a bat pony for a foal.” Nightshine sighed and took Serenity’s hoof before she was forcefully lifted up in the mare’s magic. “You’ll see me again soon, Short Stroke. And when that happens, I promise that we’ll be the best of friends.”
“Such fitting words for a reunion destined to fail.” Serenity took Nightshine away. “Good day, Short Stroke, Miss Pie.”
“No…” Pinkie Pie shed a tear as she watched the last of the orphans being taken away right before her eyes. She wanted to do something, but knew that she would go to prison if she intervened.
“She needs me… Just as much as I need her.” Short Stroke began to cry as he reached out for his friend. Pinkie came over and hugged the colt close to her. He rubbed his face into her fur as he choked, “Nightshine, I need you, You need to get adopted as soon as possible. Please…” Pinkie held the colt close to her chest speechless and feeling ashamed in her failure.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                Chapter Six: A Fresh Start                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter Six: A Fresh Start
Filthy Rich was walking down the road with Diamond Tiara trotting by his side. Cheerilee approached him Honeycomb next to her.
“Hello, Filthy Rich.” Cheerilee smiled. “I'm so glad to see you.”
    “Hello, Cheerilee.” He looked down and saw Honeycomb nestled up to Cheerilee’s feet. “Oh, and hello there, Honeycomb.”
“Hello, Filthy! Thank you for helping me get adopted!” Honeycomb flew into Filthy Rich and wagged her tail vigorously.
He then looked up at Cheerilee. “You adopted Honeycomb?”
    “Yeah I did.” She nodded. “I would've adopted all the orphans but even with a teacher’s salary I wouldn’t be able to afford to care for all three.”
“Ooh! I don’t think I’ve seen you yet.” Honeycomb wandered up to the filly by Filthy Rich’s legs. ”What’s your name?”
“Diamond Tiara” She stepped forward.
“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Honeycomb.” She pointed to her chest.
“So you're an orphan?” Diamond Tiara asked.
”Well I was, but now I got a mommy and she's the best!” She bounced around on the spot.
“Alright, honey bun. Stop pestering the Riches.” Cheerilee gently pushed her daughter back a few paces.
“Oh! I almost forgot!” Filthy Rich asked hesitantly, “Did you see the other orphans running about?”
“Yeah, I did. They were up the road near your house not too long ago.” She looked over towards the street. “I was actually coming by to see how Diamond Tiara was doing.”
          ”Alright. Well, thanks again for the help.” He nudged Diamond Tiara as she waved to Honeycomb, watching the filly wave back.
“If the other orphans are nice as her, I wouldn’t mind having one of them as a  sister or brother.”
”Well, we better hurry and find Pinkie before they get adopted.” He went off towards the town with Diamond Tiara close behind him.
Eventually, both Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara saw Pinkie trotting back with her head hung low with a sobbing Short Stroke slunking alongside her. From how the two of them looked, it was as if everything that could’ve gone wrong happened all at once.
”Pinkie? What happened?”
“I failed.” Pinkie swallowed heavily. “I didn’t get Nightshine adopted in time and that snob Serenity came and took her back to the orphanage.”
“We were so close to getting her adopted too! It’s not fair!” Short Stroke burst into tears and slammed his face into Pinkie’s cutie mark.
“No, it’s not. It really isn’t in the slightest.” Filthy Rich brushed away some hair dangling down over his eyes. ”Pinkie, I need to know. Did they go to the train station?”
”Yeah. The orphanage is back in Marelybone. I’m sure that's where they were headed.” She sniffled, sucking up some small snot that had been seeping out of her nose. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I’m personally going to adopt her!” Filthy Rich charged down the street. “Come on, Diamond Tiara!”
“OK!” She ran after her dad, leaving Short Stroke and Pinkie behind.
Serenity now held Nightshine’s hoof as they came to the ticket counter at the train station. Nightshine hung her head and struggled to pay attention when Serenity turned back towards her.
“Well, Nightshine, it seems the probability of you being adopted is little to none.” She feigned some sense of mercy in her tone of voice. “So maybe instead of having to try and have you adopted, I’ll just have you do chores every day for the rest of your life. Make you pay for this trip of yours and maybe get you something nice.” She lowered her brows. “MAYBE. Sounds fair don’t you think?”
“Yes, Mrs.Serenity.” Nightshine sighed and curled up her tail.
“Good. At least you still kept your manners.” Serenity cracked a small smile. “In fact, I’m glad we got rid of that little troublemaker Short Stroke. Such a nuisance.”
    Nightshine looked back at Ponyville one last time, seeing the townsponies going about the open and inviting streets. The statue of Celestia could be seen in the distance. She felt a few tears running down her cheeks as she felt that like an eternity would pass before she would ever see the  town and Short Stroke again.
“All aboard!” The conductor bellowed as the doors to the train opened.
    ”Nightshine! Time to go!” Serenity called.
    Nightshine hung her head and slowly walked towards the train, hoping for a miracle. When she made it to her seat next to Serenity, she heard the mare complaining.
“Twilight could’ve just brought you back herself, you know. Instead, she had me come all the way out here.” She spluttered. “When we get back, I'm definitely going to report her abusing her power as a princess.”
Nightshine just rolled her eyes and clambered to the window. She gently pressed her face against it and watched the town starting to pass. As the train slowly but surely gathered momentum, she didn’t even notice Filthy Rich running with the train.
    “Stop that train! Do you hear me?!” Sweat ran from his head as he kept up with the vehicle.
    The conductor looked back at Filthy Rich as if he was crazy and heavily pulled on the train’s brakes. The train suddenly jerked and screeched against the metal tracks before coming to a stop.
“Filthy Rich?” The conductor asked. “What in the world is going on?!”
“Sorry. I’ll pay for any delays” He climbed onto the train. “I just came to see a filly.”
“What’s going on here?!” Serenity demanded as Filthy Rich approached her.
“Are you Serenity?” Filthy Rich asked.
“Yes. To what do I owe the displeasure of meeting you?” She huffed.
“My name is Filthy Rich, and I'm adopting Nightshine as my daughter.” He brushed his chest and hugged Nightshine.
“Really? You’re going to adopt me?” Nightshine’s eyes lit up.
“Yes, Nightshine. Yes I am.” He brushed the back of her mane. “You’re going to be part of a family at long last.”
“I’m terribly sorry to bust up such a happy moment, Filthy Rich, but she can no longer be adopted.” Serenity pushed her way in between the two of them
“What do you mean by that?” Filthy’s brows were raised.
“Well, it’s just that I don't have any adoption forms. In order to have her formally adopted, she’ll have to go back to the orphanage.” Serenity explained. “You can adopt her next week.”
“Not so fast!” Pinkie Pie popped out of nowhere and pulled out another adoption paper. “I knew there’d still be hope, so I held onto the last paper just in case.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Nightshine beamed and gave Filthy Rich a massive hug.
“You’re welcome, Nightshine.” Filthy kissed her on the forehead. “Welcome to the family.”
“How happy.” Serenity scoffed and turned away. “Well, since you managed to pull off some kind of foal’s story ending, I suppose I should take my leave. Good day, Nightshine, Filthy.”
“Just Rich is fine,” he responded.
Filthy, Pinkie, and Nightshine all climbed off of the train and watched as it travelled away into the distance.
“We’ve gotta tell Shorty the good news!” Pinkie dashed off. “C’mon! He’d love a ‘We Did It’ party!”
Diamond Tiara and Nightshine gave each other a smile as the two of them followed Filthy Rich down the street and back into Ponyville.
Shortcake was eating a piece of pie in silence with his newfound parents sitting by him. After what had happened with Nightshine and Serenity, his confidence had all but been shattered.
“Why’d it have to be her?” Shortcake asked as he bit into his pie once more. “She didn’t deserve that…”
“I’m sure everything will be okay, Shortcake.” Mrs. Cake gently brushed Shortcake’s back. “You have us, now. And if you could get adopted, then I’m sure she will too.”
“Yeah…” Shortcake struggled to find happiness in those words. The orphanage’s punishments were extremely strict and he thought that Nightshine would never get adopted at all after his hair-brained scheme.
Suddenly, the door burst open, with Nightshine coming flying in. “Short Stroke!” She called, tackling him.
“Nightshine!” Shortcake immediately
“What are you doing back here?” He asked, smiling as he cuddled with her. “I thought for sure that Serenity would’ve taken you back to the orphanage.”
“Daddy came to save me.” She moved aside and let Filthy Rich step forward.
“Daddy?” Shortcake looked up at Filthy Rich. “You adopted her, Mr. Rich?”
“Yes. Nightshine’s officially part of the Rich family.” He nodded and pulled his new daughter next to him.
“This is great! I knew you’d get adopted, Nightshine!” Shortcake trotted up to her with a spring in his step. “And you’ve got yourself as sister too!” He walked up to Diamond.
“Nice to see you. I’m Diamond Tiara.” She nodded. “What’s your name?”
“My name’s Shortcake.” He nodded. “I was originally called Short Stroke, but the Cakes allowed me to use their last name.”
“Shortcake. That’s a lovely name.” Nightshine walked up to Shortcake and gave him a smile before looking back at Diamond Tiara. “My name’s Nightshine. Me and Shortcake were friends back at the orphanage.
“So, you’re going to be my new sister?” Diamond asked Nightshine.
“Yes I am. Is that alright?” Nightshine tilted her head.
“Yeah, of course it is!” Diamond Tiara hugged her new sister and felt Nightshine hugging her back. “But, what about mother? She’s gonna be livid.”
“Don’t worry about her, Diamond.” Filthy Rich nodded. “She won’t be a bother. I’ll make sure of it.
“Ahh, I love a happy ending.” Pinkie Pie pulled out a tray of cupcakes and laid them down on the table. “Cupcakes, anyone? I made extra!” She sing-songed.
The ponies all tucked into the frosting-topped cupcakes with big smiles on their faces. Now, all four of the runaway orphans had been adopted, and Shortcake and Nightshine and reunited.
“So, you adopted the filthy bat pony.” Spoiled Rich confronted Filthy Rich in the mansion later that evening.
“There’s nothing you can say that’ll reverse this, Spoiled Rich.” Filthy crossed his hooves. “And the more you deny it, the more you’ll be shooting yourself in the hoof.”
“Fine then. I guess the Rich family lineage has been absolutely shattered by your arrogant goodwill.” She used her magic to generate a couple of suitcases. “If you wish to soften up and love the ponies of this dirt-poor, downtrodden, and downright despicable town, then you can do it on your own.”
  “Fine then. Go.” He opened the door himself. “I see now that after everything that happened after Diamond Tiara made friends with those three fillies, you’re still nothing more than a stuck-up cow. We don’t need you anyway!”
Spoiled Rich let out a gasp, shook her head, and stomped off, carrying the suitcases with her.
“What’s going on here?” Twilight stood in the way of the door.
“Move it!” Spoiled Rich rammed Twilight out of the way and walked off. “Prissy little princess could never live up to the true hierarchy of her title anyways…” she mumbled under her breath.
“Spoiled Rich left me all because I adopted Nightshine.” Filthy helped Twilight back onto her hooves. “I think it’s for the best, though. She’d just keep moaning and groaning about it anyway.”
“Nightshine got adopted? That’s wonderful.” Twilight smiled briefly, but it faded away shortly afterwards. “But what are you going to do now that your wife’s left you?”
“Oh, don’t worry about me.” Filthy Rich brushed his chest. “There’s plenty more mares out there. I’m sure any of them would love to be Nightshine and Diamond’s new mother.”
“So, how’s Nightshine doing?” Twilight asked. “Can I see her?”
“Of course.” Filthy Rich stepped aside and let Nightshine run into Twilight’s chest, giving her a warm hug when she collided.
“Hi, Twilight!” Nightshine said energetically.
“Hi, Nightshine.” Twilight waved. “Looks like Pinkie Pie did her job well, didn’t she?”
“Of course I did!” Pinkie popped into Filthy’s house with Chrono, Honeycomb, and Shortcake following her. Diamond Tiara and Nightshine saw the three new friends and shook their hooves. “That’s why I decided that these four new ponies could have a slumber party together. Just to get them settled into Ponyville.”
“We did it, Nightshine. We really did it.” Shortcake hugged Nightshine as tightly as he could. “We’re all adopted.”
“Yeah.” Nightshine gently rubbed the back of his mane. “I’m so glad to have you as a friend, Shortcake.”
“Aww…” Twilight smiled at Shortcake and Nightshine’s affection. “Well, I gotta approve these documents. Just to make sure that it’s legally sound.” And with that, she walked out of the house. “Have a good slumber party, everyone!”
“So, what about mother?” Diamond asked, looking out as she could barely see Spoiled Rich in the distance. “Where’s she going to go without you?”
“We’ll figure that out later. Right now, you and your new friends should enjoy yourself.” Filthy Rich gently patted Diamond’s back.
Suddenly, Shortcake’s stomach began to rumble, as did Nightshine’s.
“Sounds like you’re pretty hungry, huh, sis?” Diamond asked Nightshine before leading her off to the kitchen. “Just wait until you see the chef. He’s amazing.”
“I’m sure he is.” Shortcake chuckled to himself before following his friends.
Nightshine and the other foals were all together in Nightshine’s room, all laying down together on the same bed for the slumber party. Some of them were snuggled into the covers while the others were on top of the sheets.
“So, Chrono and Honeycomb, how’s your parents?” Diamond asked as she looked over at them.
“Dad’s the best.” Chrono gave her a smile. “Together, we both repaired watches and played around with some sciencey-type stuff.”
“He sounds like a great guy,” Nightshine said. “What about you, Honeycomb? How’s Ms. Cheerilee been treating you?”
“She’s amazing!” Both Diamond and Honeycomb said together before they looked each other in the eyes. “Jinx!”
“Sounds like everyone’s happy,” Shortcake said. “That’s good to know. I wouldn’t want them to feel sad with their new moms and dads.”
“I don’t think we’ll have to be sad anymore, Shortcake.” Nightshine gave him a small kiss on the forehead.
“Lights out, everyone.” Filthy Rich came into the room and reached over for the lightswitch. “Now, I know you’re all happy to have new parents and all, but foals like you still need their sleep. So come on, now.”
He watched the ponies all cover themselves up with the bedsheets and wriggle around until they were comfortable.
“Aww, look at you all snuggled up like that…” Filthy Rich’s heart melted at the sight. “It’s so moving, isn’t it?”
“I love you, dad.” Diamond and Nightshine spoke together as they laid their heads on the pillows.
“I love you too, girls.” Filthy Rich flicked the lightswitch off, darkening the room instantly. “Sleep tight, everyone.” And he walked off and closed the door.
“Goodnight, Nightshine,” Shortcake whispered to her.
“Goodnight, Shortcake,” Nightshine replied as she closed her eyes.
And just like that, the five children all laid their heads down and shut their eyes, dreaming pleasant dreams of them all getting to play together with their new parents. They snored lightly and didn’t move an inch as they drifted off into dreamland. They knew that from here on out, things were only going to get better for them.