Soaring high above the clouds enjoying the warm light of the sun, Alicia looked over East Liverpool with a big smile. She was performing all sorts of trick while on Flame and Smoke from back flips to somersaults in the air as she was enjoying the morning wind brushing against her face, and hair. She watched as some of the people were outside watering their gardens, and opening up the shops.
"Hey Alicia!" Somebody yelled out to her. She looked down below to find the blonde-haired girl Kelly looking up at her with a cheerful grin. "What are you up to?"
Flame and Smoke flew to the ground, and landed next to her rubbing at her hair with a hand. "Nothing much, just showing off my tricks." Giving the girl a smirk. "How about you Kelly, how come you aren't at school?"
"It's spring break Alicia. A whole week off from school to have fun, hang out with my friends, and work on new, and music to play." Motioning her gaze toward her violin.
Alicia smirked at her, and patted her on the back. "I knew you would do it Kelly. I was going to go ask Toby if he would like to go take a tour at the field, would you like to come with us Kelly?"
Kelly beamed with excitement. "Awesome. Of course I would like to come Alicia, and I know the kid will love it in Patterson Field." She jumped on Flame as they made their way toward the catacombs. She looked up at Alicia behind her. "Wait though Alicia, Toby isn't an athlete, and he won't be able to catch up." A look of worry came across her face.
"Don't worry Kelly, Kin knows the spell that can let people play, and I am sure it will work on the little guy although he is a kid." Giving the girl a reassuring smirk as Kelly nodded.
Flame and Smoke lowered onto the ground as the two reached the catacombs. Kelly placed her violin in her bag, and she strapped it around her. Alicia reached a hand up to knock on the door. "Prim, it's me, and Kelly." She spoke up from behind the door.
The door opened to reveal the timid princess as she gave a soft smile. "Um.. hi Alicia, and Kelly. Please, please come in." The two nodded, and walked inside as they saw Toby helping feed the dragons.
He turned to see who it was, and smiled brightly waving a hand. "Hi Auntie Alicia and Kelly." He was passing out salmon, and trout to Spike and Yusha.
"Heya there little buddy." Alicia walked over to him, and rubbed at the top of his head. "Well, well, well, it looks like Prim not only has a boy of her own, but a young student in the art of taking care of dragons." She chuckled.
Toby giggled, and nodded up at her. "Oh, yes Auntie Alicia. I love helping Auntie Prim feed the dragons. It is fun." He said as he finished giving out the rest of the salmon, and trout.
"He has been such a good little helper with all the dragons. They enjoy feeding them too. I am very proud of all my precious little one." Prim gave a blushing smile at the little boy as she gave him a kiss on the top of his head.
Kelly walked up and patted Toby on the back. "Well, it looks like you have another special talent buddy, and that is taking care of dragons." She gave him a soft smirk, and tubbed his head with a hand.
He giggled, and blushed.
The two princesses smiled at the two young ones. Alicia looked down at Toby, and asked. "Hey little Buddy, how would you like to go with Kelly, and me to Patterson Field, and take a look around at where all the athletes play?" She turned toward Prim. "If that is okay with you though Prim. We will make sure he is safe and taken care of."
"Um.. of course Alicia, you know it is okay with me if Toby wants to go with you, and Kelly to Patterson Field." She smiled down at the little boy, then back at Alicia. "Wait though, he can get hurt when he's on the field." A look of worry spread across her face.
Alicia rolled her eyes. "Don't worry Prim, we are going to Kin's first, and see if he can cast that spell on him that will allow to play all kinds of sports. You know, the one he casted on Luu Luu, and Fluttershy when you all came to play dragonball."
Prim nodded. "Um.. oh, yes I remember." She looked at Alicia still with a little concern. "You don't think it will hurt him though for Kin to cast the spell on him, do you Alicia?" As she looked at the little boy, and stroked his arm with a hand.
"Don't worry Prim, you know Kin is great with magic." She smirked proudly, and patted the back of her fellow princess. "He is New Rad's sorcerer." She gave an awkward chuckle. "Kin will make sure to be careful with the little guy, okay? Don't you trust me?"
Prim nodded softly. "Yes Alicia I trust you. Um.. it is just I don't want nothing bad to happen to my precious little one." She felt a little hand on her hand as she looked down into the eyes of Toby.
"It is okay Auntie Prim, I will be okay." He turned to Alicia. "I would like to come with you, and Kelly to Patterson Field Auntie Alicia." Giving her, and Kelly both a big happy smile.
Kelly, and Alicia chuckled as Alicia rubbed at the top of his head. "I knew you would little buddy." She turned to Prim. "I will have him back before dinner Prim, I promise."
Prim smiled at Alicia, and then looked down at Toby and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Go get changed sweetheart." He nodded, and went upstairs as Kelly followed behind him. Prim turned toward Alicia. "Um.. Alicia.. um.. what are you planning to do when you three get to Patterson Field?"
"First, I am going to take him on a tour for the middle school, so he can learn how older kids get to learn different things. Then I am going to take him by the field. I have plenty of fun for the little guy." She smiled warmly. "Don't you worry Prim, we will keep him safe."
"I know you will Alicia." She gave her a soft smile.
After a few minutes Toby, and Kelly returned downstairs. Toby was wearing his all red outfit with royal blue hoodie with his locket sewn into it. He walked up to Prim to give her a warm hug around her waist, and laid his head against her stomach. He sighed comfortably, and looked up. "Do you want to come with us Auntie Prim?"
She leaned down, and gave him a tender kiss on the forehead. "Aw.. sweetie I would love to, but I am going to stay here for today, and do some cleaning around the catacombs." she hugged him and her arms, and nuzzled the top of his head. "Don't worry though, I will be here when you get back, and we will have a good dinner, okay sweetheart?"
He smiled up at her softly. "Okay Auntie Prim. I will be okay, don't worry. Auntie Alicia, and Kelly will look after me." He gently broke the hug.
"You just listen to your Auntie Alicia, okay sweetie?" She rubbed at his back with a hand as she looked down at him with a soft smile. He nodded as he walked over to the two other girls.
The four made their way out of the catacombs as Kelly got on top of Smoke. And Flame lowered his neck, and Alicia hopped on top of him. "Hop on little buddy." Smiling at the child as he walked up to her, and carefully climbed up.
Prim stood at the door way with a warm smile. "Have fun sweetie, and just be careful. Auntie Prim loves you." Waving a hand at him.
He waved a hand in return. "I love you too Auntie Prim." He turned, and wrapped his arms lightly around Alicia's waist.
Alicia smirked, and turned to Prim. "See you later Prim. He will be okay with us, I promise." She then looked at Kelly. "Are you ready Kelly?"
The blonde-haired girl nodded. "You bet Alicia."
Alicia smiled at the girl then reached up to pat at one of the boy's little arms around her waist. "Alright, hold on Toby. We're going up." Chuckling softly. Flame and Smoke bent on all four legs, and carefully hovered up the air. They turned, and looked down at Prim waving a hand as they flew out of the tunnel and went toward New Rad with the child on Flame's neck. Prim watched the three as they headed towards New Rad, and smiled softly before walking back inside the catacombs, and shutting the door behind her.
Toby laughed, and smiled happily as the wind blew against his face as he rode on Flame's back. "Haha.. this is so much fun Auntie Alicia." Kelly watched from beside giggling as well with a big smile on her face.
Alicia smirked at the little boy's excitement, and chuckle. "Haha.. that's my little nephew. Hold on tight Toby, I will show you something real cool." Toby tightened his hug around her waist, but making sure not to hurt her. Before they approached the castle, she decided to do a couple of loopy loops, and slowly descended to the ground in front of the castle.
Kelly jumped off of Smoke beside them. "Awesome as always Kelly." She looked up at the two with a beaming smile.
She rubbed at the top of the girl's head, and nodded. "You know it Kelly." She knocked on the door of the library. "Did you enjoy that little buddy?" Looking back at the little boy behind her.
He nodded happily. "Yes I did Auntie Alicia. It was a little scary, but fun." Rainbow smiled, and patted at the child's arms around her neck as Kin opened the door.
"Well, hello there you three. Please come in." He gave the three a warm smile stepping to the side to let them in.
"Hey Kin, what are you up to?" Alicia asked as they entered.
"Just straightening up the library while Connor is the King is away in the city. He was requested by Celestine to come, and join her, and also catch up with some friends of his." He sighed softly as he looked at the three, and waved a hand at Toby. "Hello there Toby, how are you doing on this fine morning?"
"Hi Kin." Alicia knelt on her legs to let him climb off onto the floor. "I am doing good. Auntie Alicia, and Kelly want to take me to Patterson Field." He smiled up brightly at the sorcerer.
Alicia nodded. "Yes, I thought it would be fun for the little guy to explore the field, and watch how kids play." She reached a hand to rub at the back of her neck. "But of course, since he is a child, he can't go." She frowned a little down at the child then looked at Kin. "Do you think you could maybe cast that power spell on him? You know, the one you casted on Fluttershy, and Luu Luu when you all came to watch me play dragonball?" She gave Kin a hopeful smile.
"Well, I never tried it on a child, but I am positive I can." He walked up to the child, and placed a hand on his shoulder looking down at him with a soft smile. "Toby, I just want you to relax, and stay calm while I perform this spell, okay? I promise I won't hurt you."
He looked up at him, and nodded. "Okay Kin, I trust you." He took a slow deep breath.
"That's right Toby. Now, just close your eyes Toby, and relax. It won't take long." She stepped back motioning for the other two to do as well. Kin took a deep breath, and focused her attention on the little boy with his eyes closed. His hand lit up. "Alright Toby, don't be scared, okay?" He nodded as he kept his eyes closed slowly breathing in, and out.
A light aura surrounded the little boy as Kin started to perform the spell. He could feel the warmth of his magic around him. He continued to slowly breathe in, and out with his eyes closed as now a white light started to envelope him. He could feel himself lifted off the ground as Kin focused all of his magic on him.
After a minute Kin slowly lowered Toby back down to the floor. "Alright Toby, you can open your eyes."
He opened his eyes blinking them to see that everything was okay, and he couldn't feel any pain. He looked up to see the smiled of the three people.
"Are you alright Toby, I didn't hurt you, did I?" He asked with concern as he gently stroked his arm with a hand.
He shook his head softly. "No Kin, I am okay. It felt nice, and warm like how you, Auntie Alicia, Auntie Prim, and all of my family hugs me."
Kin sighed in relief. "That is good. I would feel terrible if I hurt you Toby." Giving a pat on the head. "Now you can go to the field Toby."
He hugged him around his neck. "Thank you Kin." Sighing softly.
He rubbed at his back with a hand. "You are very welcome Toby." He gently released the hug as he went back over to climb up on Alicia's back.
"See you later Kin. Don't clean too hard now." Alicia chuckled as the three waved bye to the sorcerer, and exited the castle. As they got outside Alicia looked at Kelly. "Hey Kelly, would you like to go put your violin up before we leave."
"Sure Alicia. Follow me." She got on top of Smoke as Alicia got on top of Flame, as they carefully hovered into the air, so not to scare Toby. They were heading toward the Dragon Girls clubhouse.
As they arrived at the clubhouse. Smoke lowered his neck to the ground as Kelly went up ahead, and went inside to put her violin away. Alicia sighed softly as she looked up at the sky as Toby did the same. "It sure is pretty Auntie Alicia. I remember how mommy, and me used to go to the park when it was sunny, and nice like today."
Alicia smiled softly, and rubbed at his arms around her waist. She thought to herself. 'The little boy sure has a lot of good memories with his mommy. Makes me wonder if that jerk of a father ever spent time with him at all.'
Kelly returned after a couple of minutes. "Alright, I am ready if you two are." She waved her arms excitedly with a beaming smile.
Alicia nodded. "Right on. Do you want to practice your soccer Kelly?" Smirking proudly at the girl.
Kelly nodded. "You bet." Smoke lowered his neck to allow Kelly on top of him.
"Next stop, Patterson field." said Alicia. With the little boy behind her, and Kelly on top of Smoke the three headed to Patterson Field.
Meanwhile in East Liverpool Maia was just leaving Sweet Snacks, and went toward to the catacombs. 'I wonder if Kaguya will know if anything was wrong with Toby.' He thought to herself.
Kaguya was outside meditating when Maia came walking toward the dirt path. Kaguya looked to see her coming toward her. "Hello, Kaguya. What are you doing here on this fine day?"
Maia gave the shrine maiden a big smile. "Oh, nothing just coming by to say hello." Kaguya could tell she was hiding something.
"Now Maia, do you think you can get away without telling me the truth? I am the shrine maiden of course." She looked at Maia with a stern yet concerned look. "Now tell me what is on your mind."
Maia sighed deeply lowering her head before looking at Kaguya in the eyes. "Kaguya, when our little Toby spent the day with Grave the other day, did he seem sad or anything?"
Kaguya shook her head looking at her friend worriedly. "Well, no, he enjoyed spending the day at the fraternity house. Why do you ask Maia?" She reached up to rub at Maia's shoulder.
"Well, yesterday the cutie and Prim spent the day helping me bake some sugar cookies. When they left, my hair was acting up, but it was different than usual. Something just didn't feel right." She looked at Kaguya with a concerned look.
Kaguya sighed deeply. "Well Maia, I don't think it is anything to worry about. Maybe you just didn't feel right because it was raining heavily yesterday." She patted Maia on the shoulder. "Anyway, if something was wrong. I'm sure Celestine would warn Connor, and he would tell us."
Maia nodded, and sighed softly. "I guess you are right Kaguya. Maybe I am just being a worry wart. Thank you." She giggled softly.
"Not a problem Maia. Do you need anything else before I get back to meditating?"
"No, not that I know of. Thanks again Kaguya, and have a good day." She waved Kaguya and turned toward East Liverpool, toward along the dirt path.
Kaguya just shook her head, and thought to herself. 'That Maia, she sure can be a handful. I hope I'm right though, and nothing is wrong with the little child.' She sighed deeply as she went back to meditating.
High above the clouds Alicia was soaring with Toby riding happily on her back as Kelly was flying beside them. Alicia saw a hole in the cloud and spotted the field, and decided to land on the ground. "Well, here we are little buddy. Welcome to Patterson Field." She looked back to smile at the little boy.
"WOW!" Toby looked at the field in awe and his mouth agape.
Kelly, and Alicia both shared a chuckle. "Haha.. that was my first reaction when I first came here buddy." The girl smiled at the child as she stayed on top of Smoke.
Alicia chuckled at the two. "Alright little buddy, I am going to let you down, but just take one step at a time off my back. Let's test Kin's spell to see if it worked on you." She bent down on her legs.
Toby very lightly held onto Alicia's left arm as he reached his right leg over her to carefully climb off her back. When his foot touch the grass it sunk in, but he didn't fall through. He placed his other foot on the grass as it sunk in as well. He gently let go of Alicia's arm as he felt himself standing safely, and freely on the ground.
"It works Auntie Alicia." He softly pushed his feet down into the cloud as it felt soft. "Haha.. feels like standing on a big pillow." He giggled as he looked at her with a bright smile, then looked around the field.
Alicia rubbed at the top of his head with a hand. "Oh, yea that is right little buddy. The field is great to walk on, but most of all great to take a nap on." She chuckled. "Now, what do you say about going to the middle school first, and see how all the older kids learn?"
He nodded up at her as she picked him up, and seeing if Kelly was ready to go towards the school.
In East Liverpool
Before returning to Sweet Snacks, Maia decoded to go to the catacombs. She went to the tunnel toward the door. 'I trust Kaguya, but my instincts never steered me wrong before.' She thought to herself.
When she arrived at the door, she knocked on it. The door opened to reveal the timid princess. "Oh.. um.. hi Maia. Please come in." She stepped aside to let her mercenary friend in.
"Hey Prim." She looked around the catacombs. "Hey, where is the cutie Toby at?"
"Oh, he went with Alicia, and Kelly to Patterson Field. Alicia wanted to show him around and let him see how older kids learn." She gave Maia a soft smile.
"Aww... Alicia being a good auntie to the little cutie." Maia beamed brightly.
"Would you like some tea Maia?" Prim asked kindly.
The Mercenary Queen nodded. "That sounds good to me Prim." Prim walked into the kitchen to prepare the tea. 'I hope she doesn't get too upset.' Maia thought to herself.
Prim went back into the living room with two cups of freshly brewed mint tea in her hands. She reached out a hand to hand Maia her cup. "Here you go Maia.. um... it's mint.. um.. I hope you like it."
Maia nodded, and took a sip. "Whew, now that is good!" She gulped the rest of the tea in one swallow. "There, minty fresh." She giggled happily.
Prim giggled at her friend's antics. She took a sip of her tea, and looked at Maia curiously. "Um.. if I can ask Maia.. um.. is there something you would like to talk about.. um.. if that is if you don't mind?"
Maia swallowed deeply, and placed a hand on Prim's shoulder. "Prim, when you, and Toby came home after baking those sugar cookies, my instincts was acting weird." She sighed deeply.
"Oh... my. Was it something bad Maia?" The princess asked with a concerned look on her face.
"Well, nothing bad happened, but I just felt weird." She looked Prim in the eyes, and asked. "Did Toby seem sad or hurt in any way yesterday when you two left Sweet Snacks?"
Prim shook her head. "No. He acted perfectly fine. We ate dinner together, and when it was time for bed he asked me to sing to him, then I tucked him in." She looked at Maia. "Maybe it was because of the weather yesterday you felt strange." Giving her a light smile.
Maia nodded, and sighed. "Kaguya said the same thing. You both are right, maybe I just overreacted to my instincts this time. I am sorry if I worried you Prim."
Prim placed her cup on the table, and gave Maia a hug wrapping her arms around her. "Shh. Noe Maia, there is no need to be sorry. You were thinking of Toby, and worried about him, that is a sweet gesture for anyone to do. So no more apologizing okay?" Giving her a reassuring smile.
Maia nodded, and smiled brightly herself. "Okay Maia." They broke the hug as Maia went toward the door. "I guess I will be going back to Sweet Snacks. Take care Prim." She waved a hand with Prim did the same. She went out of the catacombs, and headed toward the bakery.
Back in Patterson Field
"That is how all students learn little buddy. From the history of the past to the science of machinery." Alicia said to the little boy who was walking beside her, and Kelly on the other side as they exited the middle school.
"Auntie Alicia, the other kids work very hard at the school like Uncle Grave works very hard on a farm." Toby smiled up at her.
"That is right kid, and soon I will be going the same school." Kelly said proudly as she rubbed the top of the child's head with a hand. "I will be awesome as Alicia when it comes to learning." Giving a smirk.
Alicia chuckled. "That's right kid."
As they were walking along the road Toby accidentally bumped into someone. He looked up to see a girl with grey skin, blonde hair, wears a blue shirt with a yellow tie, green skirt, green sandals, and her eyes had a yellowish orange blue. "I am so sorry Ma'am. Are you okay?" The little boy frowned as he looked up at her noticing that her eyes was crossed.
The girl looked down at the child, and smiled softly. "Hey now little guy, don't be sad. I am okay." She patted him on the shoulder. She looked up to see Alicia, and Kelly. "Hey there guys. Who is this little one?" Giving them both a smile as she looked back down at the child.
"Hey Derpy." Alicia cleared her throat, and placed a hand on Toby's shoulder. "Derpy, I would like for you to meet my nephew, Toby." She looked down at the little boy. "Toby, I would like you to meet a good friend of Rainbow's, and the papergirl of East Liverpool, Derpy."
Toby reached up a small hand, and looked up at Derpy. "It is nice to meet you Miss Derpy. I am sorry for bumping into you."
Derpy kneeled down on her legs, and reached out a hand missing at his hand a couple of times, but finally touching it. She gently reached with the other hand to shake his. "Well, it is nice to meet you too Toby. That is sweet of you to call me Miss, but you can just call me Derpy." Giving him a soft smile.
Alicia, and Kelly smiled at the two.
"Well, I will see you later little guy. I got to get going, and deliver some newspapers." She reached up, and rubbed at his shoulder. "See you guys later." She said to the other two as she went onto her bike waving at the three. They returned the wave as she rode off.
"She is a real good friend as well little one." Alicia said proudly as she scooped the child into her arms. "Now let's go to the field."
Kelly smirked, and raised a hand. "Oh, yea. Hey buddy, if you thought the school was cool, you haven't seen nothing yet." She did a back flip excitedly.
Alicia, and Toby chuckled at the girl as the three head toward the field.
Toby felt the wind brush against his face as he looked over the school. As they were approaching the field he could see it was a big rectangular lawn with white lines on it, and has numbers on it, and at each end are two endzone posts.
Alicia walked to the field, as Kelly followed her. Toby looked over to see the field. It has a lot of benches behind the fence that Toby thought was used as seats, and behind the endzone pose was a snack stand with blue coloring.
"This is where all of the competitions, and events take place Toby, especially the Potters." Alicia smirked proudly as she looked at the child.
"Hey you three, what are you doing?" A voice said behind the three as they turned to see Rainbow Dash. She noticed Alicia, and walked up to them. "Oh, hey Alicia."
Alicia smiled brightly. "Hey Rainbow. What's happening?
"Nothing, just fixing to go get the team to practice for the soccer game in a month." She smirked at the princess, and noticed the girl. "Well, hey there Kelly. It has been a while since I last seen you here in Westgate."
Kelly beamed up at Rainbow. "It is awesome to see you again Rainbow." She said. Rainbow then looked at the child being held by Alicia. "Oh, who is this little guy Alicia?"
Alicia leaned down on to place Toby on the ground. She kneeled on her legs, and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Rainbow, I would like for you to meet Toby, my nephew, and the greatest little one you will ever meet." Kelly nodded in agreement as Toby blushed at the comment. Alicia looked down at the little boy. "Toby, I would like for you to meet Rainbow Dash, the captain of the Golden Flashes, and besides the Warriors, the greatest dragonball player in East Liverpool."
Rainbow rolled her eyes, but just chuckled. She leaned down on her knees to look in Toby's eyes. "Well, it is an honor to meet you little dude. Welcome to Westgate, and like your Auntie Alicia just said I am the captain of the Golden Flashes, a team of the most players in all of East Liverpool." She reached a hand, and rubbed at the child's arm.
She stood back on her feet, and waved the three. "Well, I will catch ya later. Got to get back and make sure the others aren't slacking off, especially Soarin."
Alicia laughed. "Haha.. that is true. Make sure he isn't laying on the job, and eating pie." The four all laughed in unison as Rainbow turned and waved before running off.
The field was soon showered in a warm golden glow signaling that the sun was slowly beginning to set. Alicia looked, and sighed softly as the glow shined upon the three. "Well little one, I guess it is time to get you back home, so Prim won't be too worried." She leaned on her legs as Toby climbed onto her back.
She allowed him to take one more look over the field as Kelly walked beside them. "It sure is a very pretty place Auntie Alicia. Thank you, and thank you Kelly for bringing me." Kelly smiled at him, and rubbed at his leg.
"No problem buddy, we had fun with you spending the day with us." She gave the little boy a wink, and smile.
In New Rad Castle
Kin was standing out on the balcony of New Rad Castle with Celestine as they watched over all of East Liverpool. "Well Kin, it looks like I will be letting you take your place as I shall retreat to my chambers." Celestine gave Kin a gentle nuzzle against his cheek.
"Alright Celestine. Goodnight, and sweet dreams." Celestine bowed her head, and walked into the castle as Kin stayed to let the moon rise majestically against the dark blue canvas. He looked through the telescope that sat against the rail, and decided to gaze upon East Liverpool.
He slowly turned to the telescope as he landed on the sewer tunnel to see Alicia, Kelly, and Toby arrive. "Well, it looks like our young friend Toby had a fun time with Princess Alicia. That is... Gah!" A sharp pain shot through Kin's head.
"What was that?" He thought as he shook his head.
"Wait, I hear somebody's mind." He closed his eyes, and deeply concentrated to listen.
After a few minutes of listening to the thought. "Oh, no. No, no, no this can't be true." A frown formed on the sorcerer's face and a tear cascaded down his cheek. "The poor child will be devasted with this news. I must tell Celestine, but I will tell her first thing in the morning." He took a deep breath, and raised his head to look at the moon with a look of sorrow.