Waiting for Hopeby THE MUFFIN MANChaptersChapter 1chapter 2EpilogueChapter 1Saphire was never a happy pony. She didn't have any friends or family. Saphire lived in the ponyville orphanage and was thought to have no future by everypony. Even the caregiver, Happy Life, thought she would stay in the orphanage for the rest of the fillies young life, though she would never tell her. Then one fateful day her entire world changed forever. She remembered it as if it were yesterday, but in reality It was roughly about one year ago. Saphire was a dark blue filly with a lighter blue mane and tail. She was a unicorn with a bare flank, and was roughly about ten years old. Not many ponies really came into the orphanage, but when somepony did come in she knew to stay away. She stayed away because a gang of colts and fillies would always threaten and hurt her if she ever got close to somepony coming into the orphanage. “If you come anywhere near them, we’ll break your horn off!” they would shout. Saphire would just stay quiet and accept this fact. She was scared and they knew it. “They wouldn’t even want a foal who’s name isn’t spelled right! I mean honestly, what were your parents thinking!? Spelling your name “Saphire” instead of “Sapphire”, honestly!” one filly would yell at her. This made Saphire start crying. It always did. She knew nothing of her parents, or why they named her “Saphire” but they did. This went on her whole life even when she was much smaller. It was always the same. A stallion or mare would come in, the gang would make her hide or stay away then they’d look at some of the foals, then either decide to adopt or leave, but they never noticed her. The caregiver always tried to stop the foals from picking and bullying her, but they never listened, she tried whatever she could to stop them time-outs, no desserts, no recess, no leaving the room, no supper but they never listened. They just kept attacking the poor filly. It wasn’t about one month after Happy Life had given up trying to stop the bullies that a lone stallion came in. The stallion who would change her life forever. It was a mild morning in Ponyville, the kind of day that made ponies wanna go outside and have a picnic. The sun was midway through the sky. There were many foals outside playing without a care in the world. The bell rang as a deep red pegasi walked in. His mane and tail were a much lighter shade of red than his coat and feathers, his cutie mark was a few bits stacked on top of each other. As foals slowly started to swarm around him she grabbed her best friend in the orphange, a small teddy bear named Mr. Snuggles, and headed down to the kitchen to grab a snack. Upon entering she noticed nopony else was there. Grabbing a small cup of fruits she sat down at a table and looked down at Mr. Snuggles. “You’re my only friend here, Mr. Snuggles,” she said sadly as she ate some of her fruit, a few tear in her eyes. The day slowly went on as she finished her fruit and trotted towards her room. “Mr. Snuggles when do you think somepony is gonna adopt me?” she asked, holding Mr. Snuggles tightly. “...” Mr. Snuggles said. “I know, and I hope so too Mr. Snuggles,” she said, still holding him closely. She was talking to Mr. Snuggles for a while about just random things that would make her happy. “...” “Yeah I know. I just wish I could afford some tail extensions,” Saphire giggled happily. Soon knocking was heard at her door as she snapped her head towards the door she gasped as she saw the stallion from earlier standing there with a smile. “Hi there,” he started. “What’s your name?” At the sound of his voice she cowered away, afraid of what the bullies would do to her if she was caught. “H-hello i-i’m Saphire,” she said, visibly frightened. “Is something wrong?” he asked, sounding concerned. “I…” she had to think swiftly, she couldnt tell the truth or the bullies would surely hurt her for “abolishing” their chances of being adopted. “It’s just… no pony really ever takes a second glance at me,” Saphire said, blushing. She turned away from the stallion. “Thats just mean. You seem like such a nice young filly,” he said with a smile. “Do you really think so?” Saphire said, with a faint glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I truly do.” Saphire smiles at him before remembering Mr. Snuggles as she holds him up. “This is my friend Mr. Snuggles, he’s… kinda my only friend here,” she said, while holding the stuffed teddy bear close. The stallions laughs a bit. “Hi there Mr. Snuggles. How are you?” he asked. A filly walked into the room behind them, but immediately walked back out as soon as she saw what was happening. “...” said Mr. snuggles. “Well it’s nice to meet you Mr. Snuggles,” he said with a smile, as he looked to a clock on the nightstand, that read 5:30. “I gotta go, its getting late. I’ll be back tomorrow though,” he replied, still smiling brightly. “Aww, ok,” Saphire said, hugging Mr. Snuggles. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” “For sure,” he said, smiling as he trotted out of the room and straight out the front door. “You think he’s the one Mr. Snuggles?” she asked her stuffed teddy bear. “...” “I hope so too.” she replied. “C’mon, lets go have something to eat. I’m starving.” “...” Mr. Snuggles said. “I know dinner’s soon but I just want something to snack on.” She said, as she trotts into the kitchen. She grabs a cup of yogurt and a spoon, and sits down on a small stool. She eats her yogurt contentedly, until the sound of somepony opening the door to the kitchen makes her freeze in her tracks.. Looking over she found something that has forever terrified her to the bone. “Well, well, well. Would you look at who we have here,” a gruff looking colt said. “O-oh, h-hi there C-clean Wing,” Saphire said, holding Mr. Snuggles closer than ever. “So Shiny Ray here tell’s me that she saw you sucking up to the stallion that came in today,” he sai,d gesturing to Shiny Ray, the filly next to him. “N-no I wasn’t- Hey! give him back!” She yelled as her horn flared up, and her aura glows as she tries to reclaim her best friend. But the colt's magic was too strong, and he was pulled away. “We told you not to go near him, now your “best friend” suffers for it,” he said, grabbing a knife off of the kitchen counter before cutting the head off of the stuffed bear, and throwing both ends of it at Saphire. “M-Mr. Snuggles!” she said, grabbing him and running to her room. She desperately tries to reattach his head, but it fails each time with his head continuing to fall off. She spent the rest of the night crying and holding onto her beloved friend before locking the door, putting a chair to block entry and letting sleep fill the void. chapter 2Saphire awoke to knocks at her door. Glancing at the nightstand she noticed that it was just after one in the evening. She had spent the entire night trying to get back to sleep after what had happened to Mr. Cuddles. She just wanted to sleep for hours, but found that she could sleep no longer, it had already been close to nineteen hours. “Go away!” she yelled at the door. “Saphire please come out,” she heard Happy Life say. “No, I’m never coming out!” Saphire yelled back. “Oh really? Not even to meet the stallion who will be giving you your new life?” Happy Life asked with a bit of a sarcastic tone, knowing inwardly the filly would open the door. “What do you mean?” Saphire asked, leaving the door shut. “Remember the stallion that was here yesterday?” she asked. “Y-yeah.” “Well. He put in an application to adopt you,” Happy Life said, still waiting for the door to open. After a few minutes of silence she heard a chair move from the front of the door and the door opened with a tired looking Saphire open the door. “Really?” she asked in disbelief. “It’s true, the foal adoption agency already sent an inspector to go make sure that he’s on the up and up,” Happy said, smiling brightly at her. “D-dont tell anypony else!” Saphire blurted out. “What? Why not?” Happy asked, taken aback by the outburst. “The other foals… well, you know what they’d do,” Saphire said, pointing to her horn. “Oh,” Happy started. “I’m sorry Saphire. I wish I could help but they simply won’t listen to me.” “It’s ok, I’ll be out of here soon enough. I can’t wait until he comes back,” she said, her voice gaining enthusiasm with every second. “We’ll the mare from the foal adoption agency said she could be there tomorrow so he should be coming today,” Happy said with a smile. “Ok well I hope he’s soon. Can you send him over here when he does come, please?” She asked, turning around and heading back into her room. “Of course, I'll be sure to let you know,” Happy said with a smile. “Thanks,” she said, before closing the door and lying down holding the remains of Mr. Snuggles in her hooves. “I love you Mr. Snuggles.” She said. She releases a single tear. Saphire waited for no more than thirty minutes before she heard a soft knock on her door. “Hello?” She asked, disheartened. “Saphire, Happy Life told me you wanted me to come here,” the stallion said through the door. Silence came through the door as the chair was moved and the door unlocked. “Saphire?” he asked, as he came through the door and looked at her with eyes filled with concern. “...” Saphire replied. “Saphire what’s wrong?” he asked, with genuine concern in his voice. “Th-they hurt Mr. Snuggles,” she said, signalling towards Mr. Snuggles on the bed, decapitated. “What? Who would do that?” he asked. “Some mean bullies,” she said, beginning to tear up again. “You mind if I have a look at him? Maybe I can fix him,” he said, while scooting a bit closer to Saphire. “S-sure, just please, be careful,” she said, worried for her best friend. “Of course,” he said while carefully picking him up and examining him. He nods several times to himself. “I think I can fix this, it should be an easy sew.” “O-ok, I-I'll just be here,” she said, climbing back in bed and crying softly into her pillow. “He’ll be ok, alright?. I’ll be back in a bit,” he said, flying out the window. Saphire got up after he left and closed the door, locking it and putting the chair back in its place afterwards before returning to the bed and slowly letting sleep take its toll. It was only thirty minute before her sleep was interrupted by the sounds of somepony knocking on her door. Yawning, she got up and stared at the door. “Who’s there?” “Take a guess,” the voice said, chuckling a bit on the otherside. Opening the door much faster this time, she looked at the stallion before giving him a small smile and inviting him inside. “Guess who made a full recovery?” he asked, slowly holding Mr. Snuggles up for Saphire to see. She gasped upon seeing him and immediately pounced on him. hugging tight and snuggling Mr. Snuggles over his shoulder. “Oh thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” she burst out, fiercely nuzzling Mr. Snuggles and holding her soon-to-be father. The stallion just smiled, while petting her mane with one hoof and hugging her back with the other. “I had to do it, it’s my job to make sure you’re happy.” She stayed silent as she hugged him, pulling in Mr. Snuggles as well as she started nuzzling the stallions chest. “Am I interrupting something?” Both heads snapped to the door the moment the voice spoke out from it. There they saw Happy Life, tapping a hoof and raising her eyebrow. “Well?” she asked. Looking down at her he noticed how this might have looked out of context. An older stallion on his back with a filly on his chest, nuzzling his chest both front and back legs spread around his barrel holding him tightly. “Uhhh…. It isn’t what it looks like?” he more asked than said. “That’s what it looks like to me,” she said more sternly, giving him the stink eye. “Look Happy he saved Mr. Snuggles!” she practically screamed, holding Mr. Snuggles up. She sits straight up on his stomach. “He saved him Happy, he really saved him!” Smiling the stallion replied, “I did. She was so happy she jumped me, right Saphire?” The filly in question blushed profusely, noting what she had done from pure happiness, excitement and gratitude. “S-sorry I was just so happy…” she trailed off, blushing even more. Upon, hearing the explanation, softened her glare, even smiling a bit. “See I told you it wasn't as it seemed,” he said teasingly as Saphire hugged his chest again. “Yeah, yeah... But it was an awkward position. That you have to admit,” Happy said gesturing to Saphire. “Why is it an awkward position? It’s just a hug,” Saphire said staring curiously at Happy from her lying down and hugging position. “Uhhh…. you’ll find out when you’re older,” Happy said nervously, and blushes.. “Yeah, what she said,” he said, blushing as well. “Ok!” Saphire yipped happily holding onto him. “I’m glad I was able to help Saphire but I’ve gotta go soon. It’s already sun down and supper should be any minute now,” he said, smiling as he stood up and set Saphire on the bed. She immediately returned to hugging him and nuzzling his cheek with the tip of her muzzle. “Thanks again, I don’t know what I would have done if you haden't of saved him,” she said, as she let go of him and sat hugging Mr. Snuggles happily. “Saphire? Do you wanna eat your dinner in here, or are you coming down with the rest of us?” Happy asked hopefully. “I’ll go down with you,” Saphire said, genuinely happy for the first time in a while. “Great, come along now,” “I’ll just let myself out,” The stallion said as he turns away. “A-Am I going to see you again, soon?” Saphire asked with wide eyes. “Of course Saphire. I wouldn’t leave you hanging,” he said with a smile. “Thanks… you know I never got your name,” she said with a faint blush. “Lucky Bits, Saphire, my name is Lucky Bits,” he replied. “Anyways I gotta get home, I’ll see you soon.” “Ok, Lucky, I’ll see you soon as well.” Saphire replied, waving at him. It was finally happening for her, she would have a family, a home, no more bullies, and somepony that loved her, truly loved her. “Let’s go to dinner Saphire.” Happy said, gently placing Saphire on her back. “Ok, that’d be nice.” Saphire said hugging the back of Happy’s head, as they trotted into the mess hall. Epilogue~Two weeks later~ “Can we have dinner at the Manehatten diner?” Saphire asked, while running alongside her brand new parental guardian, Lucky Bits. “Of course Saphire, I know how much you love the diners.” Lucky Bits said, happily hugging Saphire. “Thanks Lucky,” she said, hugging him back and running towards the diner, Lucky following closely behind her. After trotting inside of the diner and being lead to a table, the pair ordered two hay sandwiches with a large order of hay fries on the side. “Hey Lucky, how long do you think it’ll take to get our food this time?” she asked with curiosity. “Well, in two weeks we’ve become their best customers, so... I wanna say about five minutes.” he replied. The wait was, just as he guessed, five minutes. “Wow Lucky! How’d you know it would take them five minutes!?” she asked excitedly. “I didn’t. It’s just my talent. I’m lucky, thats why I am an investment counselor.” “I still don’t understand what that means Lucky.” she says confusedly. “I’ve told you several times, it means I tell people how to invest extra bits they have.” he explained, exasperated. “So, it means you tell people how to spend their money?” She raises an eyebrow. “In a way, yes.” he says, taking a bite out of his hay sandwhich. “That’s pretty cool!” she replied cheerfully. “Yup.” he simply acknowledged. After the food was eaten and Lucky paid the bill, they trotted back to his two story home with Saphire resting on his back. At the house, he set her down and told her to get ready for bed. “It's time for bed Saphire, you need to brush your teeth, put your pajamas on and crawl in.” “Ok!" She runs upstairs. “Hey, what did I tell you about running on the stairs, Saphire?” He said, chuckling to himself a bit. He rolls his eyes and sits down with the local newspaper: The Ponyville Gazet. “Sorry Lucky, I forgot!” she said, stopping in her tracks and climbing up the stairs slowly. Saphire made her way into the restroom and brushed her teeth cheerfully. Once she finished, she trotted to her room and grabbed her PJs. They were simple blue pajamas, same color as her. She then trotted down the stairs and sat on Lucky’s lap. “Can you read me a story Lucky?” she asked. “Sure.” Lucky sets down the newspaper and takes her up to her room. “So, what do you want me to read you tonight?” “How about the 'The Colt Who Cried Timberwolf'?” Saphire holds up the book. “Sure.” He said picking up the book, and starting to read it. “Long ago, young colts helped in the village by watching the sheep. While stallions and mares in the village did the other work, the colts would take all of the sheep from the entire village up to the mountainside to eat the sweet grass. The colt watching the sheep was given a special horn with directions to only blow the horn if danger was nearby. One of the younger colts got tired of watching the sheep and lambs run around and decided to play a trick on everypony. He blew on the horn in his hoof and shouted, "Timberwolf! Timberwolf! The Timberwolf is after the sheep!" The stallions and mares of the village came galloping up the hill to help the colt chase the timberwolf away. When they got to the top of the hill, there was no timberwolf. There was only the face of a young colt who laughed at the angry villagers. "Don't cry 'Timberwolf'," said the villagers. "if there is no Timberwolf!" The angry stallions left and went back down the hill. Later, the colt again blew the horn he had been given and for the second time yelled, "Timberwolf! Timberwolf! The timberwolf is after the sheep!" Again, he watched the stallions gallop up the hill to help him chase the Timberwolf away. When the villagers saw that the alarm was not real, they angrily said, "Save your alarm for when there is really something wrong! Don't cry 'Timberwolf' when there is NO Timberwolf!" The colt just smiled and watched them go grumbling down the hill once more. Later, he saw a REAL timberwolf coming closely prowling about his flock. He leaped to his hooves. "Timberwolf! Timberwolf!" he cried as loudly as he could. The villagers thought he was trying to fool them again. They did not come. Later that night, everyone wondered why the shepherd colt hadn't returned to the village with their sheep. They went up the hill to find him crying. "There really was a wolf here! The flock has scattered! I yelled, "Timberwolf!" Why didn't anyone come?" "We'll help you look for the lost sheep in the morning," they said. "Nopony believes a liar...even when he is telling the truth!" he finished." Lucky closes the book, and smiles at his filly. “Thats why you do not tell a lie Saphire.” “'Cause nopony will believe you when you tell the truth,” she yawns. “That’s right. Now it’s time for bed.” He tucks her in with a warm smile. He leans over and gives a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight Saphire.” Yawning again, Saphire muttered the one sentence every foster parent wanted to hear. “Goodnight, dad. I love you.” She falls asleep.
Chapter 1Saphire was never a happy pony. She didn't have any friends or family. Saphire lived in the ponyville orphanage and was thought to have no future by everypony. Even the caregiver, Happy Life, thought she would stay in the orphanage for the rest of the fillies young life, though she would never tell her. Then one fateful day her entire world changed forever. She remembered it as if it were yesterday, but in reality It was roughly about one year ago. Saphire was a dark blue filly with a lighter blue mane and tail. She was a unicorn with a bare flank, and was roughly about ten years old. Not many ponies really came into the orphanage, but when somepony did come in she knew to stay away. She stayed away because a gang of colts and fillies would always threaten and hurt her if she ever got close to somepony coming into the orphanage. “If you come anywhere near them, we’ll break your horn off!” they would shout. Saphire would just stay quiet and accept this fact. She was scared and they knew it. “They wouldn’t even want a foal who’s name isn’t spelled right! I mean honestly, what were your parents thinking!? Spelling your name “Saphire” instead of “Sapphire”, honestly!” one filly would yell at her. This made Saphire start crying. It always did. She knew nothing of her parents, or why they named her “Saphire” but they did. This went on her whole life even when she was much smaller. It was always the same. A stallion or mare would come in, the gang would make her hide or stay away then they’d look at some of the foals, then either decide to adopt or leave, but they never noticed her. The caregiver always tried to stop the foals from picking and bullying her, but they never listened, she tried whatever she could to stop them time-outs, no desserts, no recess, no leaving the room, no supper but they never listened. They just kept attacking the poor filly. It wasn’t about one month after Happy Life had given up trying to stop the bullies that a lone stallion came in. The stallion who would change her life forever. It was a mild morning in Ponyville, the kind of day that made ponies wanna go outside and have a picnic. The sun was midway through the sky. There were many foals outside playing without a care in the world. The bell rang as a deep red pegasi walked in. His mane and tail were a much lighter shade of red than his coat and feathers, his cutie mark was a few bits stacked on top of each other. As foals slowly started to swarm around him she grabbed her best friend in the orphange, a small teddy bear named Mr. Snuggles, and headed down to the kitchen to grab a snack. Upon entering she noticed nopony else was there. Grabbing a small cup of fruits she sat down at a table and looked down at Mr. Snuggles. “You’re my only friend here, Mr. Snuggles,” she said sadly as she ate some of her fruit, a few tear in her eyes. The day slowly went on as she finished her fruit and trotted towards her room. “Mr. Snuggles when do you think somepony is gonna adopt me?” she asked, holding Mr. Snuggles tightly. “...” Mr. Snuggles said. “I know, and I hope so too Mr. Snuggles,” she said, still holding him closely. She was talking to Mr. Snuggles for a while about just random things that would make her happy. “...” “Yeah I know. I just wish I could afford some tail extensions,” Saphire giggled happily. Soon knocking was heard at her door as she snapped her head towards the door she gasped as she saw the stallion from earlier standing there with a smile. “Hi there,” he started. “What’s your name?” At the sound of his voice she cowered away, afraid of what the bullies would do to her if she was caught. “H-hello i-i’m Saphire,” she said, visibly frightened. “Is something wrong?” he asked, sounding concerned. “I…” she had to think swiftly, she couldnt tell the truth or the bullies would surely hurt her for “abolishing” their chances of being adopted. “It’s just… no pony really ever takes a second glance at me,” Saphire said, blushing. She turned away from the stallion. “Thats just mean. You seem like such a nice young filly,” he said with a smile. “Do you really think so?” Saphire said, with a faint glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I truly do.” Saphire smiles at him before remembering Mr. Snuggles as she holds him up. “This is my friend Mr. Snuggles, he’s… kinda my only friend here,” she said, while holding the stuffed teddy bear close. The stallions laughs a bit. “Hi there Mr. Snuggles. How are you?” he asked. A filly walked into the room behind them, but immediately walked back out as soon as she saw what was happening. “...” said Mr. snuggles. “Well it’s nice to meet you Mr. Snuggles,” he said with a smile, as he looked to a clock on the nightstand, that read 5:30. “I gotta go, its getting late. I’ll be back tomorrow though,” he replied, still smiling brightly. “Aww, ok,” Saphire said, hugging Mr. Snuggles. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” “For sure,” he said, smiling as he trotted out of the room and straight out the front door. “You think he’s the one Mr. Snuggles?” she asked her stuffed teddy bear. “...” “I hope so too.” she replied. “C’mon, lets go have something to eat. I’m starving.” “...” Mr. Snuggles said. “I know dinner’s soon but I just want something to snack on.” She said, as she trotts into the kitchen. She grabs a cup of yogurt and a spoon, and sits down on a small stool. She eats her yogurt contentedly, until the sound of somepony opening the door to the kitchen makes her freeze in her tracks.. Looking over she found something that has forever terrified her to the bone. “Well, well, well. Would you look at who we have here,” a gruff looking colt said. “O-oh, h-hi there C-clean Wing,” Saphire said, holding Mr. Snuggles closer than ever. “So Shiny Ray here tell’s me that she saw you sucking up to the stallion that came in today,” he sai,d gesturing to Shiny Ray, the filly next to him. “N-no I wasn’t- Hey! give him back!” She yelled as her horn flared up, and her aura glows as she tries to reclaim her best friend. But the colt's magic was too strong, and he was pulled away. “We told you not to go near him, now your “best friend” suffers for it,” he said, grabbing a knife off of the kitchen counter before cutting the head off of the stuffed bear, and throwing both ends of it at Saphire. “M-Mr. Snuggles!” she said, grabbing him and running to her room. She desperately tries to reattach his head, but it fails each time with his head continuing to fall off. She spent the rest of the night crying and holding onto her beloved friend before locking the door, putting a chair to block entry and letting sleep fill the void.
chapter 2Saphire awoke to knocks at her door. Glancing at the nightstand she noticed that it was just after one in the evening. She had spent the entire night trying to get back to sleep after what had happened to Mr. Cuddles. She just wanted to sleep for hours, but found that she could sleep no longer, it had already been close to nineteen hours. “Go away!” she yelled at the door. “Saphire please come out,” she heard Happy Life say. “No, I’m never coming out!” Saphire yelled back. “Oh really? Not even to meet the stallion who will be giving you your new life?” Happy Life asked with a bit of a sarcastic tone, knowing inwardly the filly would open the door. “What do you mean?” Saphire asked, leaving the door shut. “Remember the stallion that was here yesterday?” she asked. “Y-yeah.” “Well. He put in an application to adopt you,” Happy Life said, still waiting for the door to open. After a few minutes of silence she heard a chair move from the front of the door and the door opened with a tired looking Saphire open the door. “Really?” she asked in disbelief. “It’s true, the foal adoption agency already sent an inspector to go make sure that he’s on the up and up,” Happy said, smiling brightly at her. “D-dont tell anypony else!” Saphire blurted out. “What? Why not?” Happy asked, taken aback by the outburst. “The other foals… well, you know what they’d do,” Saphire said, pointing to her horn. “Oh,” Happy started. “I’m sorry Saphire. I wish I could help but they simply won’t listen to me.” “It’s ok, I’ll be out of here soon enough. I can’t wait until he comes back,” she said, her voice gaining enthusiasm with every second. “We’ll the mare from the foal adoption agency said she could be there tomorrow so he should be coming today,” Happy said with a smile. “Ok well I hope he’s soon. Can you send him over here when he does come, please?” She asked, turning around and heading back into her room. “Of course, I'll be sure to let you know,” Happy said with a smile. “Thanks,” she said, before closing the door and lying down holding the remains of Mr. Snuggles in her hooves. “I love you Mr. Snuggles.” She said. She releases a single tear. Saphire waited for no more than thirty minutes before she heard a soft knock on her door. “Hello?” She asked, disheartened. “Saphire, Happy Life told me you wanted me to come here,” the stallion said through the door. Silence came through the door as the chair was moved and the door unlocked. “Saphire?” he asked, as he came through the door and looked at her with eyes filled with concern. “...” Saphire replied. “Saphire what’s wrong?” he asked, with genuine concern in his voice. “Th-they hurt Mr. Snuggles,” she said, signalling towards Mr. Snuggles on the bed, decapitated. “What? Who would do that?” he asked. “Some mean bullies,” she said, beginning to tear up again. “You mind if I have a look at him? Maybe I can fix him,” he said, while scooting a bit closer to Saphire. “S-sure, just please, be careful,” she said, worried for her best friend. “Of course,” he said while carefully picking him up and examining him. He nods several times to himself. “I think I can fix this, it should be an easy sew.” “O-ok, I-I'll just be here,” she said, climbing back in bed and crying softly into her pillow. “He’ll be ok, alright?. I’ll be back in a bit,” he said, flying out the window. Saphire got up after he left and closed the door, locking it and putting the chair back in its place afterwards before returning to the bed and slowly letting sleep take its toll. It was only thirty minute before her sleep was interrupted by the sounds of somepony knocking on her door. Yawning, she got up and stared at the door. “Who’s there?” “Take a guess,” the voice said, chuckling a bit on the otherside. Opening the door much faster this time, she looked at the stallion before giving him a small smile and inviting him inside. “Guess who made a full recovery?” he asked, slowly holding Mr. Snuggles up for Saphire to see. She gasped upon seeing him and immediately pounced on him. hugging tight and snuggling Mr. Snuggles over his shoulder. “Oh thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” she burst out, fiercely nuzzling Mr. Snuggles and holding her soon-to-be father. The stallion just smiled, while petting her mane with one hoof and hugging her back with the other. “I had to do it, it’s my job to make sure you’re happy.” She stayed silent as she hugged him, pulling in Mr. Snuggles as well as she started nuzzling the stallions chest. “Am I interrupting something?” Both heads snapped to the door the moment the voice spoke out from it. There they saw Happy Life, tapping a hoof and raising her eyebrow. “Well?” she asked. Looking down at her he noticed how this might have looked out of context. An older stallion on his back with a filly on his chest, nuzzling his chest both front and back legs spread around his barrel holding him tightly. “Uhhh…. It isn’t what it looks like?” he more asked than said. “That’s what it looks like to me,” she said more sternly, giving him the stink eye. “Look Happy he saved Mr. Snuggles!” she practically screamed, holding Mr. Snuggles up. She sits straight up on his stomach. “He saved him Happy, he really saved him!” Smiling the stallion replied, “I did. She was so happy she jumped me, right Saphire?” The filly in question blushed profusely, noting what she had done from pure happiness, excitement and gratitude. “S-sorry I was just so happy…” she trailed off, blushing even more. Upon, hearing the explanation, softened her glare, even smiling a bit. “See I told you it wasn't as it seemed,” he said teasingly as Saphire hugged his chest again. “Yeah, yeah... But it was an awkward position. That you have to admit,” Happy said gesturing to Saphire. “Why is it an awkward position? It’s just a hug,” Saphire said staring curiously at Happy from her lying down and hugging position. “Uhhh…. you’ll find out when you’re older,” Happy said nervously, and blushes.. “Yeah, what she said,” he said, blushing as well. “Ok!” Saphire yipped happily holding onto him. “I’m glad I was able to help Saphire but I’ve gotta go soon. It’s already sun down and supper should be any minute now,” he said, smiling as he stood up and set Saphire on the bed. She immediately returned to hugging him and nuzzling his cheek with the tip of her muzzle. “Thanks again, I don’t know what I would have done if you haden't of saved him,” she said, as she let go of him and sat hugging Mr. Snuggles happily. “Saphire? Do you wanna eat your dinner in here, or are you coming down with the rest of us?” Happy asked hopefully. “I’ll go down with you,” Saphire said, genuinely happy for the first time in a while. “Great, come along now,” “I’ll just let myself out,” The stallion said as he turns away. “A-Am I going to see you again, soon?” Saphire asked with wide eyes. “Of course Saphire. I wouldn’t leave you hanging,” he said with a smile. “Thanks… you know I never got your name,” she said with a faint blush. “Lucky Bits, Saphire, my name is Lucky Bits,” he replied. “Anyways I gotta get home, I’ll see you soon.” “Ok, Lucky, I’ll see you soon as well.” Saphire replied, waving at him. It was finally happening for her, she would have a family, a home, no more bullies, and somepony that loved her, truly loved her. “Let’s go to dinner Saphire.” Happy said, gently placing Saphire on her back. “Ok, that’d be nice.” Saphire said hugging the back of Happy’s head, as they trotted into the mess hall.
Epilogue~Two weeks later~ “Can we have dinner at the Manehatten diner?” Saphire asked, while running alongside her brand new parental guardian, Lucky Bits. “Of course Saphire, I know how much you love the diners.” Lucky Bits said, happily hugging Saphire. “Thanks Lucky,” she said, hugging him back and running towards the diner, Lucky following closely behind her. After trotting inside of the diner and being lead to a table, the pair ordered two hay sandwiches with a large order of hay fries on the side. “Hey Lucky, how long do you think it’ll take to get our food this time?” she asked with curiosity. “Well, in two weeks we’ve become their best customers, so... I wanna say about five minutes.” he replied. The wait was, just as he guessed, five minutes. “Wow Lucky! How’d you know it would take them five minutes!?” she asked excitedly. “I didn’t. It’s just my talent. I’m lucky, thats why I am an investment counselor.” “I still don’t understand what that means Lucky.” she says confusedly. “I’ve told you several times, it means I tell people how to invest extra bits they have.” he explained, exasperated. “So, it means you tell people how to spend their money?” She raises an eyebrow. “In a way, yes.” he says, taking a bite out of his hay sandwhich. “That’s pretty cool!” she replied cheerfully. “Yup.” he simply acknowledged. After the food was eaten and Lucky paid the bill, they trotted back to his two story home with Saphire resting on his back. At the house, he set her down and told her to get ready for bed. “It's time for bed Saphire, you need to brush your teeth, put your pajamas on and crawl in.” “Ok!" She runs upstairs. “Hey, what did I tell you about running on the stairs, Saphire?” He said, chuckling to himself a bit. He rolls his eyes and sits down with the local newspaper: The Ponyville Gazet. “Sorry Lucky, I forgot!” she said, stopping in her tracks and climbing up the stairs slowly. Saphire made her way into the restroom and brushed her teeth cheerfully. Once she finished, she trotted to her room and grabbed her PJs. They were simple blue pajamas, same color as her. She then trotted down the stairs and sat on Lucky’s lap. “Can you read me a story Lucky?” she asked. “Sure.” Lucky sets down the newspaper and takes her up to her room. “So, what do you want me to read you tonight?” “How about the 'The Colt Who Cried Timberwolf'?” Saphire holds up the book. “Sure.” He said picking up the book, and starting to read it. “Long ago, young colts helped in the village by watching the sheep. While stallions and mares in the village did the other work, the colts would take all of the sheep from the entire village up to the mountainside to eat the sweet grass. The colt watching the sheep was given a special horn with directions to only blow the horn if danger was nearby. One of the younger colts got tired of watching the sheep and lambs run around and decided to play a trick on everypony. He blew on the horn in his hoof and shouted, "Timberwolf! Timberwolf! The Timberwolf is after the sheep!" The stallions and mares of the village came galloping up the hill to help the colt chase the timberwolf away. When they got to the top of the hill, there was no timberwolf. There was only the face of a young colt who laughed at the angry villagers. "Don't cry 'Timberwolf'," said the villagers. "if there is no Timberwolf!" The angry stallions left and went back down the hill. Later, the colt again blew the horn he had been given and for the second time yelled, "Timberwolf! Timberwolf! The timberwolf is after the sheep!" Again, he watched the stallions gallop up the hill to help him chase the Timberwolf away. When the villagers saw that the alarm was not real, they angrily said, "Save your alarm for when there is really something wrong! Don't cry 'Timberwolf' when there is NO Timberwolf!" The colt just smiled and watched them go grumbling down the hill once more. Later, he saw a REAL timberwolf coming closely prowling about his flock. He leaped to his hooves. "Timberwolf! Timberwolf!" he cried as loudly as he could. The villagers thought he was trying to fool them again. They did not come. Later that night, everyone wondered why the shepherd colt hadn't returned to the village with their sheep. They went up the hill to find him crying. "There really was a wolf here! The flock has scattered! I yelled, "Timberwolf!" Why didn't anyone come?" "We'll help you look for the lost sheep in the morning," they said. "Nopony believes a liar...even when he is telling the truth!" he finished." Lucky closes the book, and smiles at his filly. “Thats why you do not tell a lie Saphire.” “'Cause nopony will believe you when you tell the truth,” she yawns. “That’s right. Now it’s time for bed.” He tucks her in with a warm smile. He leans over and gives a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight Saphire.” Yawning again, Saphire muttered the one sentence every foster parent wanted to hear. “Goodnight, dad. I love you.” She falls asleep.
