Rise of the Red Spirit

                                                                                      Chapter four:

“The bold are helpless without the cleverness.” ~Euripides

    “Spike! Starlet!” Twilight called, trotting over to them with a smile. “Sorry I’m late. Did you meet up with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie?”

         “K-kinda…” Trinity mumbled, her ears going flat at the memory. Spike let out a chuckle.

“Eh? What do you mean by that?” She asked, falling into step as they made their way farther up the trail to Applejack’s farmhouse. She smiled at the pleasant breeze flowing through her hair, with Spike grinning as he began to gently glide next to her.

         “Well, Rainbow Dash threatened me to a race while Pinkie Pie just… I don’t know what the hell happened there. Is gasping for breath a sign of happiness?” Trinity pondered, frowning slightly. Twilight didn’t catch this however, as she just answered her with a giggle.

   “I wouldn’t worry about it, she means well.”

         “Okay,” She sighed, and remained silent for the rest of the walk up. Twilight was the first to notice the farm pony, bucking a tree on the far side of the farm. A caramel colored coat was close by her, carrying two crates full on his back. It’s obvious that he was in pain from lifting the weight, but he surprisingly kept his face in a thin line for the mare in front of him.

  “Hello, Applejack!” Twilight grinned, turning her trot into a small gallop. She tipped her Stetson in reply as a clump of apples fell safely into another crate.

      “Well howdy ya’ll. Glad to see you up and out of bed already Miss. Starlet.” Applejack greeted.  She flicked her hair off of her face and winked. “We was mighty worried about yew here.”

“Th-thanks,” Trinity mumbled, looking down at the floor as she blushed.

        “A-ah… I’m going to take these up to the barn, is that okay Applejack?” The caramel pony asked, wincing. He then forced a smile to greet the newcomer. “Oh, and good evening Starlet.”

   "Um... hi."

Applejack chuckled as Trinity repeated her action from before, itching closer to Twilight for comfort. Spike shook his pityingly head at her.   “Don’t see why not. Go on ahead, sugar.” She instructed him, and he broke into a wide smile before trotting back over to the barn.

        “Who is that?” Trinity asked.

“He’s Caramel: jus’ an old friend of mine. Got himself into a heap o’ trouble this past year –family matters and all of that- so I let him live on the barn, as long as he works hard and pays lifts his own weight. Ah… ah git frustrated towards him sometimes, but we learned to work things out.”

      Twilight thought for a moment, putting her hoof to her chin. “He’s the pony that forgot the hayseeds a few Winter Wrap Up’s ago, wasn’t he?”

  “Eeyup… an’ every year now tis something’ new,” A voice from afar chuckled, and Trinity turned around to stare at a massive red colt. Applejack blew a raspberry as she shooed him away, hiding her face with her Stetson. She didn’t want to show anypony that she was blushing.

         “Ah try not ta dwell on it.”

Spike grinned and was about to make a comment, when three, blurry figures crashed through the barn’s fence. Trinity gasped as she took a few steps closer to see what they were. The first pony, lying in an uncomfortable position on the ground was a unicorn, with big adorable eyes and curly purple/pink hair. The other was more of a cream colored Earth pony that fell on top of her, and tied up her hair in a bun. And the last, was a rebellious-looking Pegasus with orange fur; she got herself caught in the rubble of her skateboard. The only thing that these three fillies had in common, Trinity realized with a giggle, that they were covered in tree sap.

         “What the hay is it this time?” Applejack drawled, storming over to them.

“We were just coming home from Fluttershy’s, is all. Scootaloo’s scooter had a malfunction.” The filly with the bow spoke up, plastering a fake smile. Trinity tilted her head at this.

       “A ‘malfunction’,” Scootaloo scoffed, and pointed an accusing hoof at the gate. “More like it was sabotaged! All it took was for us to stop at Pinkie Pie’s, get a dozen cupcakes for us to share, Sweetie Belle to belt out a song for some random stranger, for Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to mess with it!” She screeched.

    Sweetie Belle, upon hearing this, frowned and took a box of cupcakes out from under her, “Yeah… they, kinda got squished in the fall. Sorry.”

       “It’s okay girls,” Twilight smiled, levitating the box away from them with her magic.

   Applebloom sighed and shook her head at her friends. “How can two ponies like tha’ stoop so low? Ah swear, Scoot’s, ya just hit a rock and it broke. None of us saw ‘em come by anyways.”

      Applejack broke into a grin as she let out an annoyed sigh, going over to help the fillies. “And even after all of this, ya still managed to get covered in tree sap?” They only responded to her with a mere shrug, and got back up on all fours.

“Well… how ‘bout you girls go to the hose by the barn an’ wash yerselves off. Then Big Mac’ll help ya restore the scooter.”

       Only three dejected ‘yays’ came as a reply, and the three walked past Trinity without even looking up at her. She was stunned a little by this, but didn’t even bother to make a complaint. She knew she’ll see them around town later on. Twilight sighed as she looked up at the sunset that was already low in the sky, and turned her gaze apologetically to Applejack.

         “We better get going to visit Fluttershy before it’s too late. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Jack.”

“’Tis no problem… One day ya’ll visit the farm, right? That way ah can properly introduce ya to mah family, an’ Ah can’t wait ta hear more about ya.” Trinity blinked when she realized the question was directed towards her.  She smiled and nodded,

“Y-yeah, hopefully when I get better; these apple trees look beautiful.”

       “Why thank ya kindly. Oh… and sorry about mah little sis and her friends, they’re young, so they git out of hoof sometimes. Fluttershy can’t always watch them ‘cause she has her animals to take care of, so it’s been difficult keepin’ those girls in line,” Applejack shook her head at the thought, “’Side from that, it was nice for a chat. Ah hope you grow to like an’ enjoy yerself in Ponyville, Starlet. Ah really do.”

     Trinity let out a happy sigh as they began to leave, looking back once at the family she just met. I try to enjoy myself, Applejack. She thought with a frown. B-but every time I do… karma bites me in the flank. Don’t take it personally.

   The animal smell reached Trinity’s nose even before the small group made it too the cottage. Birds, squirrels, bunnies, the list when on as she caught sight of all the creatures, making her stop in her tracks.

       “What’s the matter, Trin- I mean, Starlet?” Twilight muttered, eyeing her curiously.

  “Does, she own every single one of them? This… this might as well be a petting zoo!”

      Spike shushed her by putting his claw up to her mouth, casting a wary look by the cottage. Luckily, the kind mare was nowhere in sight. “The buck is your problem? This is what Fluttershy does for a living; it’s her destiny, her talent. The animals come here to thrive in her garden by choice. If you call it a petting zoo, you’re better off bringing Photo Finish in the picture.”

         “I… I’m… jeez, sorry, I didn’t know…”

“What Spike is saying,” Twilight sighed, “Is that, Fluttershy’s a sweetheart. She doesn’t have her animals here for the public, or abuse. Heck… she wouldn’t even hurt a parasprite if she had the choice. On top of that, she’s not the type of pony to handle crowds very well.”

        “Who’s Photo Finish.?” Trinity asked, taking her gaze away from Spike.

  “Don’t ask.”

      She resulted in staring at the ground as they continued to walk. Something caught her eye however and she gasped, taking a couple steps away from Twilight. A unicorn pony was coming straight towards her! It all happened too quickly for either of them. He rammed into Twilight head-on, knocking his books from his saddlebag in the process. Spike chuckled as the clumsy colt stuttered over his words, while Twilight remained oddly calm. Trinity glanced back at the teenaged dragon, confused as to why he wasn’t moving over to help them.

      “I won’t interfere with love,” He merely replied, grinning, “Just watch.”

  “S-sorry Twilight, I couldn’t see where I was going.” The colt muttered, moving a couple books into his saddlebag with magic. Twilight smiled and shook her head, picking up the rest of the reading material to help him out. She didn’t notice the blush appearing on his face.

      “Th-that’s, no problem Comet. Accidents happen all the time.” She said. Comet Tail let out a sigh of relief when the road between them was cleared, and regarded Spike and Trinity behind her with a confident smile.

  “Hey Spike, and hey… Starlet, was it?” He asked, to which Trinity nodded in reply. “I’m glad I’m finally meeting you in person; I couldn’t stay long the night you arrived, because I had to get back to my astronomy tower and see if it was still standing. But… thankfully you still are, too.”

       “Oh,” Trinity blinked. “Well, thanks.”

“Comet often comes to the library to pick out a book, so there’s another friend you can hang out with. It sounds great, huh, Starlet?” Twilight smiled, nudging the Pegasus in an effort to make her smile. She only shrugged however, looking back at the ground. Spike slapped his head in frustration.

      Comet didn’t take any note of this for he was staring at his object of affection, not ready to leave the unicorn so soon. However, the town clock struck six p.m, jolting him out of his daydream. He had to get back to the astronomy tower. “I-I, uh, better get going.”

        “Us too,” Twilight nodded, “We have to visit Fluttershy. See you tomorrow night for stargazing, Comet. I hear Orion’s going to show. It’s Luna’s favorite.”

  “I’ll be there.” He replied with a smile and a firm nod, looking down at the floor as he hid his blush. “Bye Spike, Starlet.”

       The two nodded and waved him off, then turned to see Twilight’s expression. She too, had somewhat of a love-struck look on her face, but she was doing an awfully good job at hiding it. That was good enough for Spike. He patted Twilight on the shoulder in praise as they made their way closer to Fluttershy’s cottage. “Y’know Twilight, I’m surprised. I thought Comet would be the one to ask you out first.”

      “Spike!” She gasped, almost bumping into Trinity. “How many times do I have to tell you? We’re not having an affair! It’s just scientific research!”

  “Whatever you say,” He drawled. He even got Trinity to smile with him much to his surprise. She then decided to frown again and stare at the ground, watching as the pebbles got kicked out of the way. Spike gave up on all hope for the mysterious mare right then—he prayed to Celestia Fluttershy’s kindness would melt her stone wall heart.

       “Fluttershy? You in there?” Twilight called out, knocking on the door.

   “G-give me a minute Twi, I’ll answer.” The timid pony replied. She and Spike shared a knowing glance as they waited, making room for Trinity to walk up the stairs. As promised, a cream colored pegaus  opened the door, greeting the three of them with a warm smile. “Twilght, Spike, Trinity! Oh I’m so glad you could make it. I was getting worried.”

     “What took you so long, Flutters?” Spike asked, gliding into the small cottage. Twilight passed him a glare because she thought he was being rude to her old friend, but Fluttershy didn’t seem to mind. Trinity closed the door as she followed the group. She liked this mare’s house: it was warm and cozy; something that could be written in some sort of fairytale. The kitchen was just off to the side of the room, and the bedrooms were probably upstairs. The only thing that made the house different from the others, was that it was right next to the Everfree Forest. Who would want to live in a house next to a forest?

         “Sorry Spike; after the Crusaders left for the barn, I was going out to feed my animals for the night. But then I heard a whimper not too far away, and found this little guy trapped in the foliage. Poor baby was traumatized by something.”  She clicked her tongue sadly, moving out of the way to show a small brown coyote, curled up in a ball sleeping.  Trinity felt her heart break at the sight of him; she didn’t even realize that she streaked across the room towards the male, leaning down on all fours. Spike and Twilight stared at their friend with opened-mouthed.

   “Wh-who, would ever do such a thing?” She mumbled.

   “Correct me if I’m wrong, but these scars look like yours, Starlet. Do you think that… a timberwolf got to him?” Twilight asked curiously, once she regained her voice.

    Trinity shook her head in disbelief. “That’s my guess. U-uhm, sorry I had to barge in like that, Fluttershy.” She sighed, looking up at the cream-colored pony.

        Fluttershy just smiled at her, nuzzling her cheek. “It’s not a problem sweetie. What I need to ask of you, though, is that I can check on your wounds? I have some medicine that nurse Redheart told me to give to you. That is, if you don’t mind.”

   Trinity smiled down at the coyote one more time before nodding, and stared at Twilight for assistance. “C-can you help me take off my vest? I’m, afraid I’ll take out the stitches if I do it myself.”

      “Don’t worry Starlet, I gotcha.” She said. It wasn’t long before the pretty vest was placed on the couch, next to a tiny white rabbit.  He curiously sniffed it and casts his eyes towards Trinity who gave him a small smile. He shrugged, hopping onto the floor.

  “These are coming along quite well. You haven’t been itching at them, have you?” Fluttershy asked, placing a disinfectant cloth on the stitches. Trinity winced.

         “S-sometimes,”

“Calm down, honey, I won’t hurt you.” She soothed in a quiet tone, and Trinity tried to let her shoulders slump to the floor.

“Please don’t scratch.”  Soft humming filled the room as Fluttershy inspected her wounds, calming even the animal’s nerves. The coyote yawned and he blinked, staring at the new Pegasus with wide, curious eyes.

         “H-hey little guy.” Trinity grinned, “Glad to see you up.”

   Spike and Twilight shared a knowing glance with each other, but they refused to comment on this new development.

        “When did you say you found him, again?”

“I didn’t. I found him trapped under the foliage about a week ago. Almost around the time you came here, Starlet.” She answered, putting the medicine in her first-aid kit. “I think of it as fate.”

        “Fate? You believe in that?” Trinity mumbled as she stood up, a little shaky on her hooves.

   “Why, of course. Everything happens for a reason. There are many lessons to learn and overcome in life; what’s the point in living if there’s no adventure every now and then?” Fluttershy stared at her fully then, giving her a motherly, stern look, “Some events aren’t meant to be dwelt upon forever. Years from now, you’ll suffer even greater tragedies and you’ll wonder, why was I worrying so badly?”

        Silence passed between them for a few moments, before Trinity spoke up in a scratchy voice. “S-so you’re saying that, getting bullied ever since I was able to walk and talk on my planet is something that I should move on from? That, just because I think differently from everyone else, just because I like sitting alone, just because people accused me of a back-stabbing bitch for something I didn't even do is something that I can learn from? What moral could possibly be thrown in there?” She sobbed, falling flat onto the floor. The small coyote glanced at her in worry. “There's gotta be something wrong with me! Everything I do completely backfires!”

    “I-it means,” Fluttershy sighed, becoming eye-level with her, “That those people who bullied you missed out on a very brave, special, and caring young mare. There’s nothing wrong with you, Starlet. Please listen.”

       Trinity didn’t say anything as she just cried her feelings out right then and there, refusing to look up at her. She felt the coyote rub his face on her neck in an effort to sooth her, and she returned the favor.  Spike and Twilight too, joined in the hug.

“Trinity…” She spoke up, using her true name for the first time. She wiped away her tears.  “Will you promise me something?”

     “W-what?”

“Promise me that you’ll forgive those mean, cruel bullies, move on, and live your new life here with a smile? I’m sure it’ll make your day so much better.”

     “Pinkie Pie promise it, Flutters.” Spike suggested, folding his arms with a confident smile. Trinity gave him a weird look before turning her attention back to Fluttershy.

“O-oh, yes, Spike. Trinity, say this: Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She smiled, making her giggle.

      “Tha-that’s dumb.” She muttered. Nevertheless, she sighed, and began to say it. She knew it’d be difficult to keep the resolution, but, hey, it’s worth a try. And now that you have new friends to help you out… She sighed as she repeated the pledge.

       Twilight beamed with pride when the deed was finished, nuzzling her once. “Now was that so hard?”

  “N-no,” Trinity breathed out an annoyed chuckle, “I guess it wasn’t.”

      “Thank you, Fluttershy.” Spike smiles and wraps his arms around Trinity, not letting go of her even though she pushed him aside.

     “Hehe. You’re welcome Spike.” She replied. She quickly glanced at the clock on the wall. “Oh my, it’s almost nightfall. You guys better get going home before it’s too dark.”

   Twilight yawned as she stood up, nodding over at Trinity to follow her. She passed Fluttershy a grateful smile. “You’re right. Thanks again for everything, ‘Shy.”

  “I’d do anything to help a friend.” Trinity felt a warm, budding feeling fill up her heart right then. A smile forced its way onto her lips as she walked over to the couch to put on her vest.  The small coyote followed her every move, as if a silent bond took place during the time she was visiting. She stared at him for a while as Twilight put on the vest for her. She gasped.

      “Kovu!” She muttered, testing out how it sounded. “That’ll be a good name for ya.” The small coyote tilted its head to one side before it smiled, and started to jump around her happily. “I like him… ‘cause he’s just like me; all alone in the world, lost, and yet… found at the same time.”

       Fluttershy stayed quiet for a few moments before nodding, and nuzzled the coyote. “You know what, why don’t you take care of him? I can’t think of a better pony to love the little guy than you. I have my hoofs filled with my other animals—a-and it’ll give you something to do during the day.”

Trinity gasped and jerked her head towards Twilight, as if to get her approval on this. The alicorn simply laughed and shook her head. “Listen, I’m just glad we got you to smile. You deserve every ounce of happiness in the world, Trinity.”

    “Did I tell you she’d smile or did I tell you?” Spike muttered with a snarky grin, leaning against Twilight. She shook him off.

  “You said eventually, Spike.”

       “Only in the beginning!”

The mare laughed and shook her head at them, nuzzling her Kovu on the nose, who happily returned it. She gave a thankful smile to Fluttershy. “I-I can’t believe you’re willing to part with him.”

     “You need Kovu more than I do, Trinity. It’s okay.” She assured her, and nodded to the door. “Now go on you three—Mayor Mare said you couldn’t go out anytime during the dark. It’s best not to get in trouble.”

     Twilight nodded, “Right. Guess it’s time to hit the hay-*yawns*- I’m a little tired after all of the craziness.” She admitted, and Trinity, Kovu, and Spike started to leave. The dragon chuckled at a thought he remembered.

        “Wow—first an owl, then a phoenix, and now a coyote! Next thing you know we’ll have a lion visit us!”

“Oh please no. I don’t think the Library could handle them.” Twilight let out an exasperated laugh, and they finally walked out of the cottage. Fluttershy giggled at her friends and closed the door behind them, a thankful sigh escaping her lips. She praised Celestia that everything went as she hoped it would… an almost prideful thought came to her then: she was the Element of Kindness after all. The toughest of dragons cried in mercy—compared to a soulless mare, looking back on it, she realized they weren’t as challenging.