Hole in the Heart

Chapters

The town.
The ponies.
Meetings and Herbs
Fluttershy

The town.

Green Herb sighed in relief as the small town came into view. He had been traveling for so long, he desired a home to call his own.

With his forest green and dark purple mane bouncing slightly, he traveled into the town to look for an empty lot. After he walked for a quarter of an hour, he began to find lots that were available.

"Let's see, someplace with- Ah-Ha!" His average voice carried with him as he saw a for sale sign. The lot seemed to be near a forest that gave off a gnarled vibe. Next to a small rivulet and airy, the lot seemed perfect for what he had in mind. The same rivulet ran out from a small outcropping of rock that came from the forest. Said forest sloped upwards slightly, as if on a hill. The quiet, neighboring cottage was a nice touch to the scenery. After all, his previous neighbors were crazy.

Poor mom and dad. Having to live near those insane ponies... who would punch a firepony?!

Being normal height, normal voiced, and normal looking, Green Herb seemed to be a regular pony looking for a natural setting for a home. The empty lot cried to be the one, and being the hasty buyer that he is, Green Herb immediately set out to buy it.

His green coat glistened slightly with sweat as he took the brochure from the box. Although he had worked hard pulling his cart full of valuables, he was the kind of pony that could push himself to the limits.

Well... almost all of me, he retorted as he looked at his chest. Did I just narrate myself?

"Yeah you did. You love talking to yourself!"

"You know, it does help me get my thoughts out and organize them. Celestia knows how crazy my thoughts can get tangled up."

As he began to look over the pamphlet, the green coated stallion decided to make his way to an inn, shower once he got there, and store his items before going to see the mayor about the lot.

"Yeah, I smell terrible," he replied to his thoughts.

Hitching himself back up to the wagon of goods, he saw the town begin to wake up. The morning fog hadn't quite dissipated yet, and the slightly damp cold was his favorite part of early mornings. Being up at six wasn't Green's usual schedule, but the few months of looking for a home had shifted his previously late nights to early mornings.

Approaching an inn, The Six Stones, he marveled at how new it seemed. The small sign above the door had six stones arranged with five of them surrounding one in the middle. Each had a symbol etched into it; one was of three butterflies, another of three apples, and even one had three gems. The middle stone had one large star surrounded by five other stars. Huh, I guess somepony loves symmetry. Although it does look cool how each star is lined up with each stone.

As Green was observing the intricate sign, he noticed the few awake ponies he passed smiled at him. For some reason, ponies just warmed up to him when they first saw him. Something about not playing any games with others' feelings. Even then, some of the previous ponies back in the large cities would frown at him for no reason.

The bell chimed as Green entered the inn and snapped him out of his thoughts. He walked up to a wooden counter and was greeted by a kind mare who exchanged some bits for a room key.

"Anyplace where I can wash off?" he sheepishly grinned at her nose wrinkling. "Sorry I carried all my stuff from... oh and that reminds me. Is there a place where I can set my stuff in storage until later?"

The mare pointed first out the windows at a small river, then led Green to a small location behind the inn towards some storage sheds. Again, the mare exchanged quite a few more bits for a key to the shed.

"Only for a week, hun" the mare explained as she walked away. "Although you can renew your license each week for a quarter of what it normally costs."

Putting his valuables away, Green Herb turned to walk towards the river, only to find others near it or in the water.

"Well... I don't want to have others watch. I don't know why I care. I feel like it's personal I guess. Man am I crazy." he chuckled to himself. Thinking of the rivulet, he started back towards his future home.

The ponies.

After having a quick rinse and using some local plants to mask any foul scent, Green got his deed to the lot for a monthly fee of 50 bits.

"Why so cheap?" he remembered asking.

"Well, it's because of the Everfree forest right next to it." Mayor Mare sighed. "That place has too many myths surrounding it, so nopony wants to buy it! I'm surprised that you wanted to."

"I have to say it's because it is so close to nature. And I can handle myself against any animals that would come from the outskirts of a forest."

"I can think of mare you would get along well with... Anyways, happy to see you in Ponyville!"

"Who would that mare be?" he asked nopony in particular. Green had always had friends and a few girlfriends when he was an older colt, but never anything too serious. Yearning for a mare to hold and protect, he is self-described as a hopeless romantic.

His stomach began to growl and he shook his head, dislodging any traitorous thoughts.

Time for breakfast I suppose. I hope somepony has a stall open this early... Maybe I can find a place to buy some hardware for my house too... Green thought as he walked towards the market

Fluttershy gasped. A pony was moving in next door! He seemed normal enough, but she was still nervous. She never had a neighbor before, mainly because nopony bothered going near the Everfree forest, let alone settling down near it.

He was going to be furious when he was woken up early in the morning. The birds and animals always woke up early and announced their presence.

Maybe I should go apologize in advance...

Or maybe I should give him a nice house warming gift. She smiled. Kindness was always the way out of any problems she had.

Now what to get him? she pondered.

Let's see... what can I remember about him? He had a budding plant for a cutie mark, so maybe an herb of some sort...

As she set about thinking of a gift for a new neighbor, across town, a certain mare was beginning to open up a stand for market day.

"Hyah!" yelled Applejack as she gave her signature kick to the apple cart, causing it unfold in a series of intricate movements.

"That was pretty cool," exclaimed a green stallion that was walking towards her.

"Thanks! Ah built it myself! It took a lot of hard work, but it was worth it! Being able to move everywhere is a big help. Ah'm Applejack," she said as she shook the strangers hoof. Firm grip... Hooves are a bit coarser than most.

"I'm Green Herb, call me Green," he replied while smiling. He seems so happy, Aj thought.

"So what are ya hankering for? Ah got Red Delicious, Macintosh, and Granny Smith apples. Some apple fritter or apple pie in case you want more, and some apple cider to wash it all down with too."

"Hmmm... I think I'll take a Granny Smith and some apple cider. Thanks." Green bit into the sour apple, liking the kick it gave his taste buds. The apple cider felt cool and refreshing on his parched throat. Stupid dust...

"So what brings you here? Ah haven't seen you around before," Applejack started up conversationally after she gave him some time to eat a bit of the apple and quench his thirst.

"Well, I felt like I wanted to find a nice small town to settle in. I did move from a smaller village anyways, plus I don't like large cities. This being a few months since I moved out, I wanted a place that would be MUCH less like Las Pegasus. Too busy. Oh, speaking of which; do you know anypony that can sell some house hardware? I'm looking for simple foundation and the works."

"Actually, ah sell all that down at Sweet Apple Acres. Are you going to build your house with your own two hooves?" Applejack joked.

"Well mostly. I will hire a few ponies to do the foundation, then I'll look it over, and if it's all good, then I am doing the rest."

Applejack looked on in shock. She was honestly making a light joke, but apparently this stallion was completely serious, judging by his expression. In addition, whenever anypony had a large construction project to complete, they would always ask her family.

Maybe his hooves are coarse for a reason...

"We would be happy to help with the foundation! My family ah mean." Aj smiled at Green's evident shock.

"Wow. So I guess I'll come by later today to talk about plans and materials?" Aj nodded.

"I won't be back until about 5, so come by then," the mare hurriedly interjected.

"Will do. Now, I'm off to explore the town and run some more errands. Thanks again, Applejack!" Before the stallion turned around, Aj noticed a slightly darker patch of fur on his chest.

Something seems off about him, Aj thought. Like there was something he wasn't telling me... Applejack's thoughts were interrupted by another customer.

"Howdy! What can I get for..."

" ... the last time, no! I do NOT have any upholstery, at the moment! The Cutie Mark Crusaders tried being stage hooves in a play, and now, all my heavy fabrics are gone!" A white unicorn huffed at a tan earth pony. The stallion began to walk away, back towards a shop showing a quill and a sofa above the door.

What a weird, or ambitious, combination of goods to sell together... Green thought. He walked up to the now closed door of a large boutique that read, unsurprisingly, "Carousel Boutique". He knocked on the door, certain that she was within distance of the door... only to be surprised by the reaction he got.

"And I don't want any quills!" the mare practically screamed before she flung open the door. "Oh my. I am so very sorry. I thought Davenport was still here."

"No, just a scared stallion," Green shook his head and gingerly offered to shake her hoof. She shook it and offered him entrance.

"I must apologize again. That was very unladylike of me. I am Rarity," the mare hurriedly apologized.

"Oh, nothing by it," I think that's the expression... Man I really need to learn more about these before I blurt them out. "I am Green Herb, Green is fine."

"Now, what do you need, dear? I hope no coarse fabrics?" Rarity silently chuckled at herself.

"Well... truth is that I may need some..." he cringed at Rarity's look. "But not right now!" he amended. "I am GOING to, much later, like in a few months."

"Why, darling?"

"That's when I am guessing that my small cottage will be complete," Green stated. He beamed a bit at her shock regarding the time to build a full house, however small. I wonder how many others will be startled throughout my run in town...

Recovering from her shock, Rarity extended a hoof again. "Well, let me be the first to welcome you to Ponyville!"

"Oooo, some ponies already beat you to it. But I'm flattered. Oh, by the way, do you know anypony that could sell some housing insulation?" he inquired.

"Maybe. I will contact you regarding that information tomorrow," Rarity supplied.

"Thanks. I will see you then, Rarity," Green thanked as he began to leave the building. However, before he was too far, he began to hear exasperated motions coming from the boutique. He poked his head in to find Rarity opening drawers and searching shelves frantically.

"Is everything alright?" he tentatively asked.

"I seem to have misplaced a light blue gem. The client wants it soon, tomorrow in fact, and now it's missing!" Rarity hysterically answered.

"Oh aquamarine! Wait here. I will be right back," with that, Green left the mare to pull a couch out of hyperspace and throw herself down on it after declaring "This is. The. Worst. Possible. Thing!"

"I wonder if I really should do this... After all, it is my birthstone."

"No. You know what to do. After all, she could get it back to you or get another."

"We both know that I don't care about that... Yeah, even if I don't know this mare that much, I think I will do this. She seemed nice enough. And I'm settling down here anyways, might as well establish good relations." Green debated with himself and won as he approached the locker that held his valuables. Plus, I may have to do more business with her and good relations with business partners is always good.

Pulling out his loaned shed key, Green opened up the storage locker. He sifted through the valuables and finally came out of the sea of items with his goal; a small, wooden box.

Finding the light blue gemstone was easy as it was the only item in the box that had his cutie mark on the cover. The box itself was too heavily stained, yet it still had a darker beauty, like the night. As he lifted the blooming bud lid away, he still marveled at the inherit beauty of the stone. It's cut edges seemed to be lines that could cut reality, yet were smoothed to a point of almost being rounded. The slight transparency always played with Green Herb's coat in ways that he could watch for hours and daydream.

Wrapping the gem in a soft, felt bag, he turned to head back to Rarity.

By now, Rarity was getting frantic. What could that stallion be doing now? He has been gone for thirty minutes and he failed to inform me of what he was doing. How uncouth.

"I'm *pant* back *pant*," Green unceremoniously declared. He held a gem that was poking through a bag up to Rarity.

"Darling, what are you doing?"

"Solving your problem and saving the world," he chuckled.

"You can't mean to give this to me. We just met, and that gem is beautiful!" Rarity denied.

"Please take it. If you might lose a client, you need this more than I do. I don't even have anyplace to put it," he put it in her hooves. "Plus, I can always get another, right?"

"Wow, that is... thank you so much. I swear, darling, I will pay you back for this, this I promise!" Rarity pledged.

"Ah, it was nothing. Now I'm off to go see about other errands and weather. Take care, and I'll see you tomorrow about my housing stuff!" Green said as he trotted away.

"Now, if I was a town with this size, where would I put my weather bureau?"

"Well if I was a town, I guess I would have to rethink my life, but enough of that," Green replied to himself. Walking along the cobblestone streets of Ponyville, he aimed for the tallest building and was rewarded with - rather disappointed - by the town hall... again.

Facehoofing, he thought Duh! I saw this same building in the morning and headed for it. Okay, I've got to get a handle on where I am. Well, I could always ask the Mayor where the bureau is.

"... ood moooooorning, Ponyville!" Bass started thumping along to a familiar song.

"What the?" Green thought as he walked into the town hall.

"Ugh, SHE'S up again, isn't she?" Mayor Mare sighed. She explained through a frazzled mane and tired eyes. "Vinyl Scratch, or DJ-PON3, is living in Ponyville, and she loves to show everyone what kind of music she wakes up to. The noise complaints stopped a few months into it, but now all our earmuffs are gone. And in Spring too! Anyways, what can I do for you? I hope no complaints about your new lot or... noise."

"No no, nothing like that. I was just wondering where the weather bureau is," Green chuckles to himself at the previous "problem".

"Oh, we don't have a dedicated weather bureau. Instead, we just have a separate office room and the main mare to talk to is Rainbow Dash. If it isn't too hard to remember, ponies just put it through her and she gets it done, although usually barely in time."

"Great, if it's not too imposing, I'll leave a note and go find this Rainbow Dash," he took out a notepad and scribbled some instructions on it.

He walked towards where the sign said 'Weather Duties' and put it on the desk inside the room. Before he left, however, he noticed about 20% more Wonderbolts merchandise than he had seen before. Jackets that appeared to not have areas for wings, a weird uniform that appeared to have glass-like wings, headbands, posters, and so much more. Littered on the desk, along the walls, on figures to hang up, and even on the ceiling. It began to seem almost as if this was somepony's room. Somepony's a little obsessed...

"Oh and you will probably find Rainbow Dash sleeping on a cloud somewhere," Mayor Mare informed Green as he trotted out to find the mare with her head in the sky.

"... for the last time, ah don't sell pears! That was just a prank pulled by Rainbow Dash!" Applejack asserted. Green was curious as he thought that in the quick encounter he had with her, that she would be slow to piss off... Okay, maybe I have to spend more time around ponies before I think I know - wait, Rainbow Dash? That's the mare I need to look for right now...

"Okay well, just make sure you don't sell anymore! I. HATE. Pears."

"Yes, we all know, Whooves." As Green came into view of the heated conversation, he saw a flustered tan stallion walking away with an hourglass cutie mark. If the prank by Rainbow Dash caused that, I'm kind of worried about what I have to ask her now. I just hope she stays loyal to what I ask... Green worried. Turning the other way, he continued trotting along Ponyville, which was now slightly awake, if not from the argument, from the time of day.

After what seemed like ten hourglasses had filled and unfilled, (ha, because of that stallion's cutie mark. Wait, what?), Green found a prismatic tail hanging off of a fluffy ball of bedding in the sky.

"Excuse me! I'm looking for Rainbow Dash! Maybe you've see..." Green started to yell until he was down on the ground in under ten seconds flat.

"Oh sorry. I just heard my name and thought someone wanted to see the coolest mare in Equestria! Not to mention the fastest. Unless you're mad about me crashing into you, then I am 20% more sued and outta here!" the mare in question began to flap her wings.

"Ah. Ow. No, it's alright, just please be more careful, especially with my chest. I am Green Herb, you can call me Green. I take it you're Rainbow Dash?" Green stumbled up from the ground, eyes rolling.

"Oh yeah! I am the fastest, coolest, awesomest, and radicalest pegasus in all Equestria!" Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest as she praised herself like a songbird. Seems a little too afraid of getting hurt or something... And what about his chest? RD thought in the back of her mind.

Not the most modest I can see... Green mentally chuckled.

"I came to talk about possible weather exemptions, not how two of your words don't exist," the stallion replied.

"What do you need? And what?"

"Just a joke. And, well, I was looking to see if somepony could not rain on lot 363," instantly feeling like he had a poor choice of words, Green cursed himself.

"What do you mean, 'somepony'? Are you saying that you don't think I could do it?" the mare narrowed her eyes at Green. She started to fly a bit higher in the air, subconsciously gaining height on the stallion.

Son of a mare, I knew it. Gotta think about what I say before I do... "No, I did not mean to call attention to anypony. It's just that I am building a new house on that lot and would hate for the walls, foundation, or insides to get ruined by stray rain. Now I know that it is going to get wet, I was just wondering if I could possibly reduce it."

"So... you want me or somepony else to keep the clouds away from being above your soon-to-be house? Yeah, I could do that," Rainbow Dash cooled down and responded.

Whew. "Great! Thank you very much for doing this extra work. Now I'm off to do an errand or two more and I'll see you around?"

"Probably not! Won't be able to! Haha!" With that, Rainbow took off, blowing away clouds and the stallion that was talking to her.

"Wow, she's fast. I just hope she can stick to her word and not pull a prank like she did with Aj."

"Okay, now the last stop; books," Green told himself and checked off another item on his checklist. "I hope whoever is running the library isn't some mare who has an insane side... Ah who am I kidding that's me! ... Only ... stallion-wise. Me and words, when will we work wonders?"

"SPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE! Where did my checklist for today's activities go?!" a mare's voice shrilly yelled from the library-tree.

"Ow. I'm right next to you, you don't need to yell... It's over here!" shakily replied a younger colt's voice.

Well, at least she found it. Might as well enter now. Walking in the library, Green saw a large stack of books barely held up by a small dragon walking over to the mare. She was obviously a unicorn, using her magic to float a large multitude of object around her. Her wings flapped in seeming anxiety - wait, wings? Chicka-chicka wha? The only winged unicorns I know of are alicorns, all princesses. Luna, Celestia, and Cadence. She does not seem to be a princess... And how come I never heard of her?

"Um, hello. I am sorry if I am interrupting anything, but I need some books. I am Green Herb, but you may call me Green," he rehearsed.

"What?! Oh, sorry. I am a little flustered right now, as I have an engagement to get to, and I can't seem to find my "Flying for Foals" reference guide anywhere! At least it's the last thing on my checklist. Well, that is except to double check it. I mean if we didn't do that, we might miss something, and if we miss something, then I will have to come back, and if I have to come back here -" the mare was cut off by the small dragon nudging her in the side.

"Uh, Twilight? You're rambling again," the colt voice from earlier responded, incidentally belonging to the small dragon. Wow, a pony that actually realizes that the library is public and not someone's home. Well, the upper part is, the dragon thought.

And once again, I'm wrong. About a voice and who it belongs to also... Man, fate is just kicking my butt... Green mentally tallied up points.

"Oh, thanks Spike," Twilight exasperated. After breathing deeply and moving her right hoof horizontally in an arc, she seemed to calm down and approached the stallion. "I am Twilight Sparkle. And as you may have heard, I am a princess, and no I can't do anything for you with Celestia."

"Oh, I guess my town is smaller than I thought. I never heard of you before," I wonder if my superpower is not thinking through what I say? I could be ... the Stumbling Stallion!

"Oh okay. Well it's a long story with a lot of technical talk, so I won't bore you with the details. But you said you needed a book?" Twilight seemed unfazed by the accidental word mess-up.

"Actually a few books. Any on gardening, herbs and plants, construction, mechanical movement, general physics, geometry, differential calculus, and.... oh! Any new articles on medicine and the medical application of herbs would be great too! I love learning how I can heal others!" Green listed with a slight squee at the end.

Twilight slowly turned around, her mouth agape. Green noticed Spike startled, though to a lesser extent.

"What?" Did Stumbling Stallion stumble a sentence again and not even notice? Maybe I need to get more kicks to the head to stay on my game...

"It's just... I have never met anypony else who has such a... diverse spectrum of books to read. Usually the few who come in here just want a fun read for bed. What are you needing these for?" Twilight revealed as she scanned around the room and occasionally glanced towards the ledger for the needed articles and books. "And if you're wondering why I'm not ruling any place as a princess right now, Princess Celestia gave me some time to adjust to my new... appendages and responsibilities."

"Thanks that does answer my question. And to answer yours, I am moving in and am going to start construction on my house and thought it would be safe to have relevant books I would need. And the other books, gardening, herbs and plants, and medicine, are my hobbies and personal favorites to read."

"Wow. Sounds... ambitious?"

"Haha, thanks... I think. Anyways, if you need any help with anything, just ask. I'm at lot 363."

"Thank you. I may need help with cleaning and organization later. Why do you offer?" Twilight wonders.

"Well, I bet being a princess, even one on leave, is a tiresome... profession? I thought that it would be... nice," Green smiled as he replied. She smiled back at him, walking towards him with the stack of books. I know someone else who is that nice. I wonder if she has met him yet.

"Alright, here are your books that I thought would be suitable for you. Gardenia in Your Backyard for gardening, surprise," Twilight began listing, chuckling at her own small joke. Green even smiled at that. "Beginner Botanists, Construction Manual for Shut-Ins, Mechanics and Mares, Physical Motion, two old math books on Geometry and Differential Calculus, and finally Medicinal Herb Magic. And don't worry that last book is NOT a bunch of crazy superstitions bound in leather. I checked," Twilight said while stuffing the books into Green's saddlebags.

As she began to turn away, Twilight thought she saw a length of reflective metal. But the bags closed, reminding her that it was obtrusive to do peek into another's bags.

"Okay, thanks again Twilight! I hope you have a good time at your... appointment? I have to go. Rather, I need to go get started on settling in to my inn room a bit," Green smiled as he trotted out the door.

"I will!"

"Oh and see you later, Spike! I'll meet you next time!" Green shouted out the door.

"Bye Green! Now, that book is over here Twilight. While you were chatting with that stallion, I found it for..." Spike replied and slowly quieted as Green walked away.

I wonder if she saw the bar? thought the stallion as he headed back to his humble abode-to-be.

Meetings and Herbs

Twilight walked up to the hill where she and her friends would meet for a group hangout every now and then. The sun was high in the sky, signaling a little after noon. The grass was a healthy, light green that was accentuated by the cyan sky. A slight breeze carried the songs of birds, although they might be singing due to the presence of a yellow Pegasus walking up the small hill.

"Hello, Twilight. Where are the others?" Fluttershy quietly inquires. She walks over to the large, checkered picnic blanket and lays down.

"I know Rarity has some business with a client, she told me yesterday. Applejack must be finishing up market day and cleaning up her stall. I have no idea where Pinkie Pie is, and Rainbow Dash is probably on a cloud somewhere. I'm glad you could make it here, I wanted to talk to you in private," Twilight replied at length.

"Oh? What about?"

"Well, you see, being new to having wings, it is very difficult using them. I thought it might help to learn more about how to use them properly. I have already read some basic books on technique, but I thought it would be better to learn from a Pegasus, and who better than you?" Twilight stood up and attempted to hover in the air. Instead of gracefully staying airborne, she flailed her limbs about and fell on her face.

"Well, what about Rainbow Dash? She is really good at flying and I rarely fly once a week. Why do you want me to teach you?" Fluttershy was taken aback.

Rubbing her horn and getting off the ground, Twilight responded "I thought that you would be better for teaching me basic flying, and later Rainbow Dash can teach me more advanced maneuvers." She shook the twigs and grass from her mane as she spoke.

"Oh well... If you really want me to, I guess I could show you a little bit," Fluttershy whispered out from behind her mane.

"Oh thankyou thankyou thankyou! It is annoying trying to sleep with these wings too. Maybe you could show me... I mean like how to relax! I didn't mean that I wanted you to... well I meant that... Ugh," Twilight blushed as she got flustered from her failure to speak properly.

"Twilight, it's okay. I know what you meant," Fluttershy smiled as she comforted Twilight.

"Hehe, thanks. Sorry I just got flustered from earlier today. I couldn't find my list and then I..." the lavender mare stopped herself before she started to ramble again. "Nevermind. So, anything new with you?"

"Well, I saw-"

"Hey everypony! Rainbow Dash has arrived!" Rainbow Dash somehow boasted about arriving. A slightly stronger gust followed in her wake.

"Well, ah wonder who that could be?" Aj joked while coming around the treeline. She had a smile on her muzzle and a spring in her step.

"Sell a lot today, Aj? Or are you trying to reach my height?" the cyan Pegasus quipped as she was floating a few feet off the ground.

"Actually, ah did! Although I had a problem with a customer today..." Applejack stared at Rainbow Dash, who was slowly floating back down to the ground.

"Hehe, who could have caused that? Must've been somepony brilliant to pull off angering Dr. Whooves-" Rainbow Dash stopped short realizing her slip up. She immediately burst into laughter.

"How many times do ah have to tell you not to mess with my business?!" Applejack's previous happy demeanor disappeared faster than when Rainbow Dash crashes into somepony. "Ah can't have you ruining my customer relations. Ah mean, with that last prank regarding Carrot Top was just mean. She is a fellow merchant and friend of mine. Ah can't believe you would just... fill her carrots with apple sauce! Everypony within three feet of that vendor was spitting." She stared at Rainbow, who was looking more upset than when she recalled the Equestria Games incident from her fillyhood.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I won't mess with your business," Rainbow's ears bent back as she apologized. Suddenly, her demeanor improved. "Now when you talk about business-"

"Me or my family buying or selling anything to anyone," Aj gruffly finished.

"Oh, alright. Now check out this trick I came up with. I start upside down, spin, and develop a straighter flight path when going down! It's so awesome!" Rainbow launched herself in the air and started to perform for her friends. It ended up being like a small entertainment show while the three mares talked amongst themselves. Not long after, Pinkie Pie and Rarity showed up and walked along the grass towards them. Rather, Pinkie Pie bounced up the hill while Rarity cantered towards the group.

"Now that everypony is here, we can eat. I'm starving, probably because using more muscles and having wings to supply as well as my magic makes me-" Twilight stopped short of her impromptu lecture. The looks of her friends, Rainbow Dash included as she stopped performing at the hint of food, told her enough. "Never mind. Let's eat!"

As sandwiches, tea, and small cookies courtesy of Pinkie Pie began to float out of the basket, quiet conversation started up.

"And then I said, 'Oatmeal-"

"I can NOT believe that would just-"

"Now ah told him-"

"And then I looped the loop-"

"Umm... he's alright. Poor thing-"

"Well, you see, the physics of flight entail-"

While six mares enjoyed each others company, across town, a stallion was walking towards the Everfree Forest with intent written on his muzzle.

"I need to find Blooming Health, Green Savior, Love's Might, Bright Shield, Foxglove, Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley, and Forest Pepper," Green listed off to himself as he trotted up to the forest. It does feel twisted, but that's probably just my overactive imagination. After all I read that series, *My Little Human. Man if only that was real. Okay focus. I'm doing this for my garden-to-be, have to get those plants. After all, native plants are better than if I just bought the seeds at that Fillydelphia market.*

The snap of a twig startled the stallion, causing him to jump slightly and turn towards his left. Shaking his head, he continued into the foliage, which slowly blocked out most light. Soon, it appeared to be nighttime, even though it couldn't be past two. Walking along the slightly raised incline, the stallion looked about him at the receding light.

"That's some crazy shading action," Green continued on, stepping over a large root. He found the Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley, and Forest Pepper easier than he would have thought. After some thickets poked into his skin, he found a small amount of foxglove surrounded by thorns that were creeping up on the plant. Ha, seems like what almost happened with me...

The Blooming Health was next to a small river that was pouring over some rocks. The budding lime green flower shared some characteristics with Green's cutie mark. The light streaming through the leaves of the trees gave enough visibility to allow Green to estimate that only an hour had passed.

Green Savior was found, strangely enough, near Bright Shield overlooking a cliff face. The same river poured off the edge, misting the ground below. The dark green vine was providing enough of a hoofhold for Green to navigate safely. After precariously picking the plant, Green took the broad white leaf and deposited it in his saddlebags. Each time he took a plant, he did so carefully, allowing enough to plant some at his garden and still let the native flora regrow.

"Whew, this forest is awesome! Usually this would take me a whole day to find," Green smiled as he bragged to nopony in particular. "Now, where could Love's Might be?" he questioned fate as he scanned around him. He recalled that the light red plant preferred water and fertile soil. Unfortunately, there was little above ground water and the soil near the river was too rock-strewn. Only a place that has erosion would work for this crappy soil... Oh duh! The bottom of the cliff where the water falls! Idiot.

Proceeding down the slope along the cliff was treacherous, but possible thanks to the Green Savior. A few times, Green thought he heard whispers above him, but whenever his gaze would pass where he heard them from, there would be nothing there. The last time it occurred, he saw a flicker of dull red eyes. Shivering, he thought, never would expect that.

Reaching the bottom of the cliff allowed Green to admire nature as he loved to. The walls slightly circled around to form a poorly rounded hole in the ground. The diameter was about twenty meters and the height of the walls about 100 meters. The water formed a shallow pool before emptying into an underground river that ran underneath the cliff face from which Green came. The ground foliage was sparse, but pleasing to the eye. Along the bed of the water was a light red, almost pink double bladed bud. The leaves bent around on each other, giving the plant its name.

Slowly trotting over to it, he realized that he had to take both or risk killing each leaf. It was like some sick twist of fate to hurt one part while leaving the other to slowly die alone. Green Herb slowly bent down to pick the plant. He did so and safely deposited it within the recesses of his saddlebags. However, the whispers escalated and looking up, he saw the rocks start to shift uneasily as the same dull eyes pulled away. Slowly but surely, the large rocks shifted... and began to fall.

The six mares began to clean up the basket and picnic. The day had reached about half past three judging by Celestia's sky clock. Conversation slowed until Applejack remembered a promise from earlier.

"Sorry girls, ah wish ah could stay longer, but ah got a stallion to meet at my farm," Applejack apologized.

"Oooo, Aj's got a coltfriend!" Rainbow Dash teased.

"No! Nothing like that. He just wants help with some housing materials and foundation building. Like when my family helped Colgate move here from Canterlot," Applejack defended.

"Really? What did he look like?" Rarity inquired conversationally.

"Well, he was green, coat and mane, and he had some purple in his tail and mane too. His hooves were coarser, like Big Mac's. He seemed genuinely happy most of the time, although it seems like he was hiding something from me. Why?" Applejack cocked her head to one side as she replied.

"Why indeed! That is the same stallion that came into my boutique for insulation and coarse fabrics. He even gave me an aquamarine gem for that client I told Twilight about. Sapphire's cousin, Aquamarine Angy. Very nice, indeed," Rarity replied.

"That sounds like the same one that came to the library for some advanced books and housing manuals. Seemed more intelligent than most. He even offered any help because I'm a princess now," Twilight shared. "He said he was Green."

Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Yeah, no kidding."

"Well his full name is Green Herb. You don't want to forget one's entire name if the occasion occurs where one needs it. That would be horrible!" Rarity pointed out. Rainbow Dash was still laughing at her pun.

"Wait, that was the same stallion who came to ask me to not rain on his lot. He seemed a bit too touchy about getting roughed up," Rainbow realized.

"Well, you are pretty rough with ponies, Rainbow," Applejack said. "So let me get this straight. We all met this same stallion today and didn't even know it? That's weird."

"Ummm... I didn't exactly meet him..." Fluttershy squeaked out.

"What do you mean? Then how do you know who we're talking about?" Twilight looked genuinely confused. The others were just baffled.

"Well... I just saw him from my cottage window out front... I wake up early due to my birds and while I was checking on them and feeding them, I saw him pull up to the lot and then leave," the yellow mare responded quietly.

"So that's the lot he was talking about. Ah'm surprised he wanted to-"

"WAIT!" Pinkie Pie yelled as she just heard the conversation's topic. She was previously playing with Gummy who was currently hanging from her poofy mane. "There is a new pony in town, AND NOPONY TOLD ME?! Oh, I need to meet him, make friends with him, and make sure he has a good stay here. WAIT! I need to throw a welcome party!"

Everyone looked at Pinkie then realized exactly who they were looking at. The other five decided to agree with Pinkie, giving the stallion the proper welcome to Ponyville. Most had no traitorous thoughts otherwise.

Ah wonder what he wasn't telling me...

Why was he so generous to me?

How come he freaked out about his chest?

Could that reflective object be harmful?

Okay, some had harmless thoughts.

I hope he likes his gift. But that means I have to meet him... *Squeak*

And theeeeeen I'll have Vinyl come and play some of her- *gasp* my thoughts sound funny... Echo! Weeeeeeee! -music! Then he will absolutely love Ponyville and have to be friends with us! ... Weeeeee!

The mares split up to prepare for the party, while Applejack went back to her farm to prepare some of the materials for Green.

Pulling out of his shock seconds before it hit him, Green jumped to the side, the rock shattering next to him, mere inches away. However, shrapnel from the impact of the rock stung his coat and embedded itself into his back.

Screaming in pain, Green ran to the edge of the slope only to find it blocked by some of the rocks that fell. The rumbling growing intense and shaking his vision, he started to panic. Looking around, he found the pool of water emptied into a tiny recess that was impossible to see in his bliss before. While galloping towards it, another falling chunk of dirt skinned his right hindleg. Grunting in pain, he slid into the cave. Expecting another impact, he shielded his eyes with his left foreleg.

After seemingly hours passed, he was surprised at the stillness hanging in the dust filled air. He expected more and more rocks to fall, yet none came. Slowly poking his head to look up, he saw two pony shapes descend the slope. Obscured by the dust, Green could not make out any identifying features, except... they seemed... bony? The little light that made it through the particulate air shimmered slightly. Unnatural bumps and ridges were across certain points of each pony.

What are those things? Green thought, unnerved. He pushed himself back into the shadows, briefly noticing the water at his hooves.

The figures began to speak in raspy voices, however Green was too far away to hear properly and he didn't want to be seen.

"...should have been crushed..."

"...will be pissed..."

"...well, maybe we ... him later..."

"... deeper in ... forest..."

"... fled ... to the wilderness..."

With that last guttural grunt, the figures began to turn and ascend again. Unfortunately, one of the creatures chanced a glance to where Green was, right when the dust parted. Screeching loud enough to disorient him, Green saw the creature begin to warn his other.

"There he is!" one of the figures began galloping towards Green.

Thinking of no other escape and not wanting to be in the hooves of those things, he pushed his saddle bags into the river that ran underground. After seeing the water run smoothly and clearly, he was certain he could fit, just barely. He tucked his forehooves against his body while keeping his hindlegs straight but slightly bent. If he collided with something solid at the end, he would not want his knees smashing through his thighs. Shuddering at the thought he slipped into the river.

Before he left he heard "... report back to..."

The eternal darkness creeping into his eyes found its way into his brain, forcing him to scream in panic. WHAT THE FUCK WAS I THINKING?! STUMBLING STALLION, YOU'RE AN IDIOT! he mentally screamed as he was sucked along the vortex of underground water.

He collided with the ceiling numerous times, scratched by the rocks under the shallow water, suggesting the river was new, and slammed into the sides repeatedly. With aching bones and worried thoughts, he hit one rock to the head too hard, causing him to see stars.

After the roller-coaster ended, he found himself in the same rivulet that ran by his house-to-be. Sliding slowly, he saw his saddlebags still intact, with only minor scrapes on it. Easy to repair... Thank... the reinforced leather... the green stallion thought as he finally stopped between his lot and the cottage.

Looking up at the sky he thought Well time for bed.... With that, he blacked out.

Fluttershy

"Oh my."

Green awoke to a shy voice that hovered over from the corner of the room. Said room was clearly made of wood, painted a bright yellow that cheered the stallion. A large window to the left of the bed let in early light, signaling about seven in the morning. Usually Green wakes up only after light hits his eyes or someone throws him across a room.

Realizing that a voice had spoken, he turned to look at where it came from.

In the corner sat a yellow Pegasus mare with a long, flowing candy pink mane. She was currently looking at Green while hiding behind said mane. She kept her wings close to her body, but seemed properly kept and preened. Her eyes were large enough to hold anyone's stare.

This was all the information his brain took in. Unfortunately for that, his brain went blank as he looked at the mare. Wow she really is graceful. Even hiding behind a mane, she is easily ten times more beautiful and captivating than any models I've seen. "Dream," he blurted out.

"I, I'm sorry?" the mare was clearly confused as she asked the question.

"Oh, I said that, huh? Haha, me and my- AHHH!" Green started to say as pain flashed across his back and leg. Even his head seemed to protest at something. But what would have... Oh right. Now I remember. Great plan #1. It took him a few moments to remember the weird creatures, but when he did, a shiver passed through him.

"Oh, are you cold? I'm sorry, I'll fix that," said the mare.

"No, no, nothing like that. I just... remembered... something. It's nothing," he amended as the mare looked concerned. "Anyways, I run hot. So what happened? I mean I remember what happened before I blacked out, but how did I get here? And where is here?"

"Oh well, I just came home and found you laying on the ground, with some... blood... in the water. I took you to my cottage. I'm sorry," the mare apologized.

"Sorry? For what? Who knows how long I would have been unconscious there. Thank you. Oh and my name is Green Herb, but you can call me Green."

"Oh, I'm..." she forced herself to speak louder than usual at this part. "FLUTTERSHY!" she screamed. Fluttershy immediately looked horrified.

His ears ringing from the shout, he replied "GOOD TO MEET YOU. WHY DID YOU YELL THOUGH?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I can't believe I did that. I'm so sorry. It's just that I have been told to be louder when I introduce myself and I went too far, and I-" Fluttershy was held up by a hoof in the air from Green.

"It's alright, just please don't do that after I wake up from a concussion. It hurts much more than it should," he gave a weak smile. Without even knowing, he put a hoof to his chest.

"Okay." Looking out the window, she noticed some of the birds were up and flying about, stretching their wings after a long time inactive. "Oh, I need to tend to some animals that are around my house. I'll be back in a bit. Are you going to be fine without me for an hour?" After Green nodded, Fluttershy left the room. Only when her presence was gone did he notice his heartbeat was higher than usual.

Wow, am I hopeless... I can't believe she would do something like taking care of me! Even letting me sleep in her bed. I have to repay her somehow... Now what were those things? he thought. Obviously they wanted to get a hold of me, although I don't think for friendly tea. Now they said... they have to go back to somepony... or something? Ah, I'll think on it for a few days. Better not alert others to a possible fluke attack.

He attempted to rise again, only to find pain lance through his injured right hindleg as he left the bed. Grunting, he sat back down. Ah, buck me. He looked around the room for his saddlebags. Failing that, he thought They are probably here or still safe at the rivulet. I'll ask later.

Green yawned, surprising himself with his fatigue. Even though he had rested for a good half a day, he was still exhausted from the "thrill" of yesterday. Thinking his host wouldn't mind, he drifted off to sleep to interrogate his subconscious about recent events.

Fluttershy stepped away from her bedroom door, closing it quietly. Her guest had fallen asleep in her bed obviously too tired to leave. She even closed the curtains to keep the light out. She didn't mind though, he seemed kind, light-hearted, and a bit cute.

Wait, cute? When did I think that? What if he... Oh who am I kidding? That would never happen. He will just be on his way after he gets better. Although, he does live close by, or will live. Ah, this is probably nothing. I'm probably overreacting, yeah. Fluttershy hurriedly rambled.

Proceeding down the stairs to the rest of her cottage to continue her work as an animal caretaker, her eyes stopped on his saddlebags. The light brown bags had a hardy tome sticking out. Beginner Botanists was depicted in floral print above an artistic rendering of three herbs. Another book, this one titled Mechanics and Mares, lay next to it.

Having already read the other book, Fluttershy peeked into the other book a bit. I mean it's a published book, not his diary. If there is anything personal, I will put it down immediately she promised herself. Curiosity of determining the kind of stallion in her bed was gnawing at her.

Picking it up, she flipped to a random page, surprised at what she saw on the page. A few lines below a description depicted a mare dressed as a mechanic looking sultrily at the book. Or rather what she would be dressed in if she was completely clothed.

Blushing profusely, Fluttershy set the book down and avoided it like the plague. I didn't think he was that kind of stallion... she thought. As she set back to her chores around the house, her mind kept drifting to the current occupant of her bed.

Even if he is that kind of stallion, that's not really my business. After all, I have been lonely lately... No! Not thinking about that right now. And why am I? Fluttershy sighed outwardly and went outside to her small garden to relax and forget her tumble of thoughts.

Out the back door was a... nice... garden with a few beds of plants and herbs arranged neatly in the soil. Some of these plants were meant solely for her animal patients, others for herself and eating, and others just for decoration and aroma.

A wooden bench was seated looking at all the rows, the left end at the first row and the right end at the third row. Although the wood was old and the paint chipped, the bench had stood the test of time and weather. It even gave off a rustic, rugged look.

Sighing as she seated herself against the wood, Fluttershy inhaled the pleasant fragrance of her plants. Caring for animals was her talent, but learning about flora was important to keep her critters happy. She closed her eyes and let her heartbeat slow.

Her relaxation was interrupted by a knocking on the door. Fluttershy opened her eyes to notice the sun high in the sky. Time always melted away when she was in her garden.

"Fluttershy? Are you there?" came a voice. Walking over to the entrance, the yellow mare opened it to find a pink earth pony barely containing her nervous energy. Practically vibrating, she said "The party is all set! We just need the guest of honor to arrive and then he will make friends with everypony! Normalcy will return as I will be friends with everypony in Ponyville again!"

"Oh, I don't think that is a good idea right now, Pinkie. He's resting. I found him bleeding and unconscious in between our houses," Fluttershy explained. She didn't look happy at the news. Even Pinkie's mane deflated ever so slightly.

"Oh no. He got hurt BEFORE I threw him a party?! Oh no, he will think that ponies get hurt here and don't get thrown parties, and if he thinks that then he won't like our town. And if he doesn't like our town, then he will leave. If he leaves then we don't have a plot line! I need to make the party better for when he is able to enjoy it!" With that confusing train of thought, she sped away in a pink blur.

"Won't have a plot line? Oh, it's Pinkie Pie," Fluttershy reminded herself. Trotting inside, she was surprised to see Green Herb walking around the living room. "Oh, shouldn't you be asleep?"

"Well, I should, but I disagree. Plus I know from experience that if I'm hurt, walking around is good if I can manage. Gets the blood flowing and my leg muscles from atrophying," he replied while smiling.

"What do you mean from experience?" the mare asked. Has he been hurt before?

"It's a long story, or rather one that requires some explanation. I'll tell you only if you have time."

Looking around, she saw her animal friends were exploring the area surrounding the cottage. This time of day, the animals would run about and discover things, sometimes even bringing news back to their caretaker.

"Sure, I have time. Let's sit on the couch?"

"Sounds good. Although I just slept a bunch, I'm already fatigued from the walking. Sore muscles and all," he replied. Walking over to the couch, they both sat down. Fluttershy was seated closer to the door and turned slightly towards Green, while he was leaning against the right end and looking straight at her.

"I was born with a disease called Pectus Excavatum, roughly meaning 'chest excavated' or 'funnel chest'. It is not well understood as to how it occurs, but most think an overgrowth of connective chest tissue is the cause. While most have it from infancy or before, some can spontaneously contract it. Just tell me if you don't understand anything, okay?" Green explained and questioned.

Fluttershy nodded her head. "I have to keep some medical knowledge to treat my animals if they get hurt, but I'll let you know," said Fluttershy.

"Okay, remind me to ask you about your animals and medical knowledge after this. Anyways, the point is that I had a disease that caused my chest to curve inward." At this, he raised himself up a bit so he was sitting on his hindlegs, exposing his chest. "You can't tell because of the fur and whatnot, but you may be able to see a darkened area of fur. Underneath is even a large scar, and a few smaller ones."

After that, Green's face took on a slight frown from his previous happy demeanor. "If left untreated in my case, it may have kept growing inward, maybe even putting a hole in my heart after a decade or two. As it was, my esophagus was bent about an inch to my right or left, I don't remember, at the furthest point. It was getting worse and I had to have surgery. When I was a filly, about eight, I had major chest surgery which removed some of the bone from some of the ribs, causing my sternum to be 'floating'. They added a bar for extra support and to make my chest move back out."

Wow, that's... a lot to go through at that age, Fluttershy gasped inwardly. The stallion's frown deepened as the mare leaned forward and turned towards him.

"But the doctor performed an outdated procedure. He was supposed to leave the ribs intact and add a larger bar. Even the procedure he did was incorrect, as he was supposed to leave some bone to regrow. As a result, my chest is extremely fragile. If somepony decided to strike me in the chest hard, it could have dire consequences. In fact, the bar slipped about three months after the surgery, making me need another operation." Green looked down, obviously talking about this made feelings bubble up.

Huh, thought I had closure on this. Guess not... he thought bitterly. Hearing a small peep made him look up.

Fluttershy's eyes were watery, but yet she maintained her composure. Half shielded from the story by her mane, she asked "Umm... if you don't mind telling me, what made it slip?" As Green's attention turned back towards the story, she scooted a bit closer.

"Well, funny story. Kinda. My school had a 'Galloping for Good' event, like a charity run but for the school. I ran so hard, that the bar came loose and they obviously took it out. But right now, some bone and chest doctors are figuring out how to fix my chest so it becomes more stable. They are going to contact me about dates and info later." With this, his mood improved, but not to the optimistic air he gave off earlier.

Wow, I really don't know this stallion... I can't believe he went through all of that, she thought as she wiped her eyes.

"Heh, sorry."

"It's okay. I can't believe it. At eight..."

"Anyways, so tell me more about you, since you already know a large part of my life that made my personality stronger," Green smirked as he inquired. The mare opened her mouth to began her own life story, when she heard a small peep.

"Oh, I have to go feed the animals really quick." With that, she trotted to the kitchen and began filling bowls with food.

Bringing back a small platter of hay crackers, she settled back down to her spot and turned towards Green. "Feel free to have some while I talk."

"Thanks."

Green began to sate his hunger that he didn't know existed. Every so often if he had a question, Fluttershy would grab a quick nibble. She even eats cutely. he thought.

The stallion listened intently to Fluttershy recounting her life, neither noticing as they drew closer.

"Really? Fell all the way down here? Amazing. I would have been paralyzed for days if I was in your place."

Fluttershy chuckled as his obvious lie. "Well, that's how I came to find my calling to animals and also my cutie mark. Although later I found that I love flora almost as much as fauna."

"Really? Me too! In fact I got my cutie mark when-" Green began but was interrupted by a large yawn. Finally out of his trance of looking at the Pegasus recalling her stories, he noticed how close she was. Her yellow coat looked softer than the fuz on a leaf. The aroma coming from her was herbal, yet mysterious. Her partially lidded cyan eyes staring into his soul seemed to capture him. Her pupils were even larger than normal. Although clearly tired, she didn't notice. Wow... I knew she was cute, but this? Wowzer. And why are her pupils bigger? Does she-? Oh, no. Low light level... he thought with a defeated feeling.

Realizing that he wasn't continuing, Fluttershy noticed the barely foot of space between the two. She immediately blushed and scooted back a few feet. Wow, cute when embarrassed too. What else is to this mare? Green thought.

The yellow mare noticed the dipping sun and low light. Thanking Celestia for the excuse, she said "I guess we should probably get some rest."

"Yeah, I will see you around I guess. I need to go get to my inn room before it gets too dark or I'll stumble around like an idiot," he said as he got up.

"Wait!" Fluttershy blurted before hiding behind her mane. I'm never this assertive. Except for that one time, but I don't like yelling at my friends... "If you want, you could stay here."

"Oh no, I couldn't impose on you. You already tended to me for a day and let me recover. All I could do is repay you later," he replied with a shake of his head.

Well he could... No! Stop thinking like that! "Oh you wouldn't. I just don't want you to walk all the way back to the Six Stones and possibly get hurt again," she hurriedly amended.

"Haha, yeah. Don't have a good record of staying safe in Ponyville so far," he looked down and softly chuckled. Looking back up after a few seconds of thought, he replied "Okay, sounds good. But I take the couch. No arguing or I am out the door and on the ground!" he answered with a smile at his continuation of the joke.

"Okay, I will see you in the morning," said Fluttershy as she walked towards the stairs. Looking back at his eyes with hers partially lidded and a smile, she softly said "Goodnight, Green."

"Goodnight, Fluttershy." As she walked up the stairs, he forced his gaze away and laid on the couch. The light decreased further and his final thought was How did she know about which inn I was at?