A Wish Granted

Mr.Cake looked over to the booth on the west side of the shop. Six mares that he knew quite well, were chatting away and enjoy the treats they had ordered. One of the mares in particular seemed to be dressed up like a...tree. Granted, it was weird, but when wasn’t something weird happening in ponyville? These mares especially were always doing something weird; one just had to come to accept it and ask no questions.

He shook his head, bring him out of his thoughts. Looking down at the paper that he held in his hoof, he sighed. As much as he didn’t like to interrupt customer's conversations, he knew it needed to be done soon or later and it was just better to get it over with. So, taking a deep breath, he trotted over to the boothe.

“Um, excuse. Who should I give the ticket to?” he said hesitantly.

The mares stopped talking and just...stared at him. Thankfully Pinkie spoke up, “Oh, don’t worry Mr.Cake. I’m the one treating all my friends today so put it on my bill!”

“Pinkie, you don’t have to do that darling. We can all pay for our own meal,” said Rarity.

Rainbow rubbed her neck with her hoof and  sheepishly chuckled. “Well...I...may or may not be broke…”

 Rarity frowned, but Pinkie just smiled and said, “That’s okay Dashie, and Rarity I WANT to pay. Its no biggie.”

“So...you’re paying” Mrs. Cake asked Pinkie.

“Yes,” she said before the others could object.

“Alright then, you know the drill,” he handed her the paper and a pen. Quickly her name was signed in pretty little squiggles. Picking up the paper and pen, he quickly disappeared into the kitchen while the mares finished up their drinks.

Fluttershy raised her glass to eye level, tilting it for a better view in side. Pulling out the straw, she place the glass to her lips and guzzled down the last remains of her chocolate milkshake. “Ah…” she said, slamming down her now empty drink on table. Without warning, a sudden burping noise escaped Fluttershy and, instead of sheepishly hiding behind her pale-pink bang, she simply giggled with a light “Excuse me!”

“Boy Fluttershy, that story sure was something,” said Apple jack while the pegasus licked the chocolate stains off her muzzle. “It’s almost impossible to believe ya.”

Apple jack raised her hoof before the mare could protest. “But, don’t ya worry bout nothin. I reckon I can’ a tell when a pony’s being honest and believe yer tellin the truth.” She winked reassuringly at her, and strikes a relaxed position on the bench she was sitting on.

“I quite agree with Apple jack, Fluttershy. And, though this may not be that important, it’s a known fact that you’re a horrific lair. No offense darling,” said Rarity.

“I can vouch for that,” mumbled Rainbow Dash.

Twilight stared annoyedly at Rainbow before turning to Fluttershy. “But it doesn’t matter how bad at lying you are, we all know you tell the truth and that’s what matters here. We all believe your story Fluttershy, don’t we girls”

All of them nod their heads vigorously and Rainbow added with passion, “Who couldn’t after that AWESOME performance you just did out there! That has got be the coolest thing EVER. Well, besides me of course,” she smirked.

Rarity snorted. “Even in giving compliments you ego still screams for attention.”

“Don’t even go there Rarity,” she said before leaning closer to the diva’s scrunched-up face, “I know where you live.”

“I know where EVERYPONY in ALL of Ponyville lives!” Pinkie offered, giggling.

“I don’t doubt it Pinkie, but...aren’t we getting a little off topic?” Twilight interjected, pointing her hoof in the direction of the pony-tree hybrid.

Pinkie said, “oh right! Silly me I almost forgot!” After taking a long sip of her banana smoothie, she said, “So Fluttershy, when do you want your “I’m-a-super-cool-pony-tree-hybrid-now- with-awesome-cool-nature-power-and-”

“-and I think that title may be too long for me to remember. But I get the point; you want plan a super cool party for me,” interjected Fluttershy smiling.

“Well, yeah! You know me, always one for a great get together,” she said grinning. Her expression suddenly changed to a more serious one as she said, “So..what i'll be the date?”

Fluttershy tapped her chin with her hoof, thinking of her agenda for the week. “ How about….you go get your party planner and we can decide what date will be best for both of us!?”

“Great idea Fluttershy! I’ll go get it right away,” she said, and before you could say “snickerdoodle” you could already hear her thumping hoofsteps on the second floor of sugarcube corner.

Looking at the direction where pinkie disappeared to, Rainbow said, “that girl sure is fast. I wouldn’t be surprised is she was related to the flash.”

“I'm pretty sure Pinkie Pie ain’t kin to one of yer super heros from yer comic book collection,”said Apple jack.

Fluttershy laughed. “Even so, I can see them being second cousins or something like that.”

Rarity stared at her for a moment. “You know darling, I think this transformation has not only affected your physical state, but your personality as well. I don’t ever remember you being this...well...lively. You seem much more confident and outgoing. For example, you are like a subtle combination of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie pie’s personalities, “she observed.

Fluttershy nodded. “You are right Rarity, I DO feel different. Not only do I feel much more confident in myself and my abilities, but I feel the same way around others. And I don’t mean all of you, I mean our ponyville friends. It’s as if all my fear, insecurity and shyness has just melted all away!

When I was out there, performing my magic on Rose’s flowers, it felt….right….that I should be doing that. That I was in harmony with everything. Like I had found my place in the world; that I finally fit in. That feeling of belonging didn’t die away after my spell. My old self had the urge to cower, but I couldn’t and more importantly, I didn’t want to. I wasn’t shy of the others stares and I wasn’t scared either.

Instead of ponies silently judging me, they were..something else. They were other ponies, like me, who have a love of nature and harmony. For nature IS harmony, all of it in concord with everything and anything. And if I was in harmony with nature, why shouldn’t I be in harmony with my fellow ponies? And if I am in harmony with them, then there was no need to cower, to shy away.

What you just said, about the transformation affecting not only my body but my mind or personality, I think you’re right. And I have never been happier! To no longer be scared of what will happen or to worry what might happen, it's...indescribable. Imagine all your inner obstacles have just disappeared! That’s what it's like for me. My shy nature has always cut me off from connecting with others.But now, with the flow of harmony within me, I can now be free to be the real Fluttershy.”

No one said anything, their eyes wide with awe and there mouths hanging. Rarity even had a few tears running down her cheeks. A few moments passed in silence before Twilight said slowly, “Fluttershy….we...I...had no idea you ever felt this way! We all accepted your shy nature as a part of you, and assumed you did as well. I didn’t know you thought it was a hindrance towards others.”

Fluttershy laid a hoof on Twilight’s slumped shoulders. “Its all right Twilight, “she said reassuringly, “ it wasn’t that bad. Yes, it did make it very hard to reach out to others who might be potential friends, but that was just a fact of life that I too made myself accept. And it wasn’t like I couldn’t make new friends. I could, it was just harder for me than others like Rarity and Pinkie pie.

For instance, when you came to town, I was very shy if you can remember. I didn’t know you at all and though it was YOU who approached me first, I still had a hard time responding or even audibly saying my name.”

Twilight cocked her head, “but...Spike. You had no problem talking when you saw him? Why would I have been any different?”

“That’s a different situation. Think of it like this. A mother is introducing her child to...her aunt. And the child had never met her aunt and was really shy about saying hello. Then, the aunt pulls out a one-of-a-kind candy that the child had always wanted to try. She takes the candy and opens up a bit more because her aunt made her feel more comfortable with the candy.

You are the aunt and the candy represented Spike. I had never met a baby dragon and love exoitic animals. When I saw him, it was like the foal seeing that piece of candy. He was a species I had never met before and he wasn’t a pony either. Both put me more at ease and I opened up a bit more.

However, if you remember I still wasn’t exactly opened up to you. After our whole Night mare moon escapade, the girls and my animal friends had to help me to get the courage in order to ask you to my cottage for lunch.”

“Its true and it took almost an HOUR to get her to agree to do it,” said Rainbow.

“Yes,” she blushed, “but that didn’t mean I didn’t want her over. I did. After the adventure I knew you would make a great friend and was excited in getting to know you better. However, I was still very shy as I didn’t know you that well and was a bit afraid of how things would go. My shyness, though I overcame it in the end, still made it hard for me to ask you over.”

“But now,” She lifted her head in pride, “Now the problem is gone and I can start living at ease with everypony, whether I know them well or not.”

WIth a sound like thunder, Pinkie came bounding down the stairs with the planner sticking out of her mane. “Did I miss anything?” she said, leaping into her chair with a single bound.

“Well, Fluttershy,” she said before anyone could reply to her sudden question, “I have the planner. Sorry I took so long, it took me forever to find it! I didn’t put in the usual drawer and had to search throughout my whole room. Guess where I finally found it?”

“In your party cannon?” asked Rarity.

Rainbow shrugged, “Bathroom sink?”

“Under yer bed?” suggested Apple jack.

“Nope, nope and nope. I found it on top of gummy’s head! hahah!” she giggled.

The girls just smiled, used to Pinkie’s randomness. “Hey, AJ,” Pinkie said turning to her, “Could you switch seats with “Fluttertree” here so she and I can work out a day together?”

As AJ did as she was asked, Rarity chuckled and said, “Fluttertree? Deary, you should be more careful what you call people, she may take offense at that.”

“OH! You’re right! I’m sorry Fluttershy, I didn’t mean to be mean!” Pinkie apologised as the pegasus sat down next to her.

“Don’t be sorry, in fact, you should be honored to have been the one to choose my new name!” she said smiling.

“New name?” The all sid in shocked unison.

She giggled. “Yeah, I figured, that if this is a new change for me, with a new personality and life. I thought I ought to change my name as well to go along with my new identity! I could not of thought of anything better than “Fluttertree”. I hope you don’t mind calling me that from now on?”

“Well...it's new, but a very lovely name dear,” said Rarity.

AJ shrugged, “Ah new name ain’t gonna change that Fluttershy we all know, so I'm fine with it.”

“Its cool,” Rainbow said.

Twilight smiled. “It’s a great name, Fluttertree.”

“Thank you all, “Fluttertree beamed, “Thank you all so much for accepting the new me. You don’t know how scared I was that you wouldn’t accept me anymore. To know you still all love me, changed or not….I am just so grateful.” A small tear ran down her cheek

“Alright, no tears now, we still have a party to plan Fluttertree.”

Opening up the planner to month of June, both pair of eyes scanned for an opening in her schedule.

As the two mares went over the dates, Twilight looked over a Rainbow Dash. The blue mare seemed deep in thought, as if planning to do something. She wanted to ask, but something stopped her. She figured that, if Rainbow wanted to share, she would when ready. So instead, she sat back and took another bite of her strawberry sunday.

“Alright. I think the only day this month that neither of us have something going on is June 29th. That’s about...four weeks from now. Are you okay with that Fluttershy-Fluttertree?”

“Fine with me,” said Fluttertree.

No sooner had she said that then Rainbow Dash snapped out of her trance and said enthusiastically, “Great! Now Twilight….” She stopped and waved her hoof, signaling her to come closer.

Twilight leaned forward and Rainbow even closer towards her ear. She cupped her hoof to block any sound from escaping as she whispered something quietly to the unicorn. A few moments passed before she stopped and sat back, waiting for her reaction. Twilight blinked a few seconds, obviously confused.

She turned and said, “What?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and repeated her message again. This time Twilight seemed to understand and in thought. Finally she shrugged and said, “Well, I guess I could. It will be tough, but I can do it. But will you tell me why you want me to do this”

She waved her hoof in annoyance. “You’ll see when we get their, just...do your thing alright?”

“Fine,”she sighed, “ Okay girls, brace your selves.” They watched as her horn magic aura grew bigger and bigger. Suddenly, there was a bright flash of light that disappeared as soon as it came.

Mr. Cake walked out of the kitchen to see what the flash was for, but all he saw was what wasn’t there, six mares. Shaking his head, he walked over and began cleaning the table while mumbling to himself, “Ponies these days. Always in a hurry.”

                                                               ****************

The afternoon sun shone high over the park, casting cool shadows under the trees.However, despite the wonderful weather, not a pony was in site and all was quiet. That is, until a bright flash of light and the arrival of six ponies disturbed it.

“Maybe ya could give us more of a warning next time?” said Apple Jack.

Twilight shook her head, trying to get rid of the aftermath of the teleportation spell. “Sorry...but Rainbow asked for me to get us all here pronto. Care to explain Rainb- Rainbow! Where are you going?”

She yelled as the blue speedster took off into the sky without a word. They waited rather annoyingly, but it wasn’t long before the mare came swooping back to earth, a large, fluffy cloud trailing behind her. She looked around for a clear spot with no trees and soon found one on a hill nearby. She dragged the cloud over to the top of the hill and positioned it squarely in the middle.

Once it met her satisfaction, she motioned for the girls to join her. Once they all reached the top, Rarity asked, “Rainbow, please explain what's going on and why we have to stand out here in this dry, summer heat?”

“You’ll see,” she smirked, “Now where’s Fluttersh- I mean, Fluttertree?”

“Here!” said a voice from behind.

“Great,” she said before instantly swooping up her changed friend under the arms and flying straight up in the air. Fluttershy didn’t even try to struggle and was more surprised than scared.

Once they had reached forty to fifty or so, Rainbow stopped and turned her friend around so they were face to face. Looking her squarely in the eyes, she said “Fluttertree...do you trust me?”

“What?” she asked confused.

“I said, do you trust me!?” she almost yelled.

Blinking, Fluttertree said slowly, “Yes...I..do.”

“Good.” said Rainbow, before dropping her friend and watched as she began to fall to the ground.

Fluttertree could hear the frightened cries and gasps of her friends below, but paid little attention, as she was too confused as to why Rainbow dropped her. Rainbow’s voice snapped her out of shock. “Flap your wings! Fly!” she yelled.

She looked up to see her quickly becoming a little blue dot in the sky. “But I can’t, I told you that already,” she said, surprised at the steadiness of her own voice.

Rainbow swooped down until she was equally paced with her fall and said frustrated, “ Of course I know. I know what you said, I just want YOU to prove it.”

“Fine, just watch,”the yellow mare said. Up and down her leafy wings moved, in the steady rhythm need for flight. Yet she continued on the same course gravity had planned for her. “S-see, I told you. I CAN’T fly anymore,” she said breathlessly.

Rainbow huffed, “Fine. I believe you. See you at the bottom.” With that she dived head first for the ground and landed safely, looking up at her still falling friend.

Fluttertree stared down, the ground and possible injury more imminent the faster and father she fell. However, this didn’t bother her the in the slightest. Normally she would be screaming in fright, or it least worried about what might happen at impact. Even with the cloud under her, gravity’s push may be great enough to send her right through it!

Still, despite this fact she wasn’t scared. She wasn’t frightened or worried or even concerned! All she felt and could feel was a calm sense that it would all be fine; a feeling she had never experienced before. Even as she fell faster and faster, the feeling never stopped and she didn’t want it to.

Suddenly, something stirred in her. The pegasus pony could feel the magic of nature ebbing and flowing within her. Not only could she feel it in her, but also outside of her being. It was there, all in the park tree and plants. In its grass and shrubs. The magic of pure harmony.

She closed her eyes and almost as if it were instinct, she focused on the energy out side her and attempted to reach out to it. Once the connection was established, the rest was fairly easy. Locating the perfect spot, she called out to the ground below. Very faintly she could hear gasps of awe from her friends, but she was more focused on what they were “aweing” at.

Large, thick vines were sprouting from the ground, a faint green aurora around the them as they grew higher.  Fluttershy suddenly felt her decent almost stop in mid air as the vines wrapped themselves around her legs. She breathed deeply in and out as the green helpers began to bend towards earth, gently descending with their precious cargo.

It was a matter of seconds before she felt the soft, comforting touch of a cloud. Once she was settled, she sent the vines back into the earth from whence they came. She opened her eyes, feeling the magic fade away. Looking at the girls, it was hard not to chuckle at their gaping faces.

Rainbow dash was the first to speak. “That...was...AWESOME!” she yelled excitedly.

Twilight’s eye twitched. “ A-awesome? You think that was awesome?”

“Well, yeah, I mean did you-ack” Rainbow started before being grabbed and shook roughly by a the mad unicorn.

“Awesome!? She could have died!” she screamed.

“B-but...she...di-didn’t,” said Rainbow, struggling to escape the mare’s grip.

“Its alright Twilight,” said a voice from behind.

She let go of the pegasus and turned around the face the second one. “What do you mean, “it's alright”? She nearly killed you!” she said angrily, but in a softer tone.

Fluttertree shook her head. “No she didn’t. She was very careful in taking precautions. If I could fly, I would be alright, and if I couldn’t then here was the cloud acting as a landing pad. I was safe either way and wasn’t the least bit scared. In fact...I rather enjoyed it! The feeling of falling, it can be a scary one, but it can also be a grand experience! Especially if you know you’ll be safe at the bottom. I’d actually would like to do that again!”

“Oh oh! but me first, you already had your turn. Dashie drop me next!” said Pinkie jumping up and down.

Before Twilight could protest, the rainbow maned pegasus had already taken off with her friend. Fluttertree quickly scooted off the cloud as the pink mare came hollering down! With a loud “poof” Pinkie bounced up and down on the could screaming, “That was sooo much fun! You guys should try it!”

Twilight looked at Pinkie, then Fluttertree, and last Rainbow; uncertainty on her face. Finally she sighed, “Fine. I...guess its safe.”

“You bet it is! Now who’s next?” Rainbow said.

“Ah recken A’ll go next,” said AJ as the pegasus dived for her and took to the sky.

It went like this for about an hour. The mares would get in line as as Rainbow would fly them up to the  distance the requested and dropped them down towards the plush cloud. Though Twilight  was nervous at first, she eventually was having a blast with the others. Soon however, their fun came to an end.

Rainbow, as she finished giving Pinkie pie her 50th trip on the cloud drop, suddenly stopped flying and free fell to the cloud herself. Landing, she layed back for a minute before sitting up panting. Drops of sweat fell from her face as she said,” I..I think I’m pretty….tired...guys. Can...we...stop now?”

“Of course Rainbow Dash, I have some things to do at the boutique any way,” said Rarity.

“Ah have some chores at the farm that ain’t gonna get themselves done. I reckon I’d better be headin off. See ya’ll!” she said, waving by and walking off down the park path.

“And I have some cookies to bake! See you guys later. Oh! And congratulations on the new look and life Fluttertree! See you at the party!” she said all in one breath before dashing away in a pinkie streak.

I have to “Dash” away as well,” Rainbow snickered, “G-get it. “Dash” away.”

“hilariously,” said Rarity sarcastically. “Anyway, I have to go as well. It was nice seeing you Fluttertree and I can’t wait for our next tea time. Bye!” she waved as both ponies suddenly left the slowly disappearing group.

Now it was just Twilight and Fluttertree standing in the park. “So..do you need anything?” asked Twilight.

“No, I should be fine.Before I go home though, I’m planning on buying a Diary before heading back home,” she said.

Twilight cocked her head, “a diary?”

The mare nodded, “I want to keep track of my thoughts as I begin my new life. I figured I could just buy one now since I’m kinda close to the market square.”

“Alright. Well, if you need me I’ll be at the Golden Oak library,” said Twilight.

Before the mare could set off on her way, Fluttertree said hesitantly, “ Actually...I do have a tensy favor to ask.”

“Yes?” Twilight asked.

“Could I...borrow a few bits? For the diary? I forgot to bring some money with me,” she said, her cheeks getting hot.

Twilight chuckled. “Of course I’ll lend you some! Here,” she said handing her a small pouch.

“These are my small emergencies money bags for last minute things. I don’t mind giving you one!”

“Thank you so much Twilight! I’ll make sure to pay you every cent back that I spend,” she said, taking the bag.

“Don’t. In fact, keep whatever you don’t spend! It’s not like I can’t spare a bag or two once in a while,” she smiled.

“Well thank you Twilight, I appreciate it,” she waved

“Of course Fluttertree. See you later!”she said as they went their separate ways.

                                                                 ******************

“There are just too many to chose from!” Fluttertree thought as she sorted through a box of newly imported diaries from Canterlot.  There were so many patterns and colors to chose from she couldn’t decide which was best! After looking at the ones on the top and still not coming to a decision, she set the ones aside and dug for the ones one the bottom, hoping to find the one she would like best.

As she continues her search, she could subconsciously feel the other ponies who were shopping, staring and silently judging her look. This however didn’t bother her, and she loved it. For once in her life she could go to a public store and not even worry about other’s glares, especially since she looked so out of place. All she did was continently smile and observer each diary carefully.

On the very bottom, on the top right corner of the box, she found it. The one that she felt spoke to her and her new personality. It was of medium build, not too small or too large. The inside was a neat print with plenty of evenly spaced lines and she loved the smell of freshly printed pages. They were empty and ready for a story, the story of changed mare.

Despite all these lovely aspects, she found the cover her to be her favorite. The main color was hot pink, but it had lighter pink hues to it as well. This to her, symbolized her new and more bold attitude. The gracefully curving swirls of gold and blue showed her calm and sweet nature that she still inhabited. In the top left side, sat a beautiful bird on a curving line.

She was gorgeous and her very wings seemed to sparkle like diamonds when they hit the light. But her the best part of the bird was her attitude. She was singing. Her beak open wide and her chest seemed to be filling with air as she began to sing another chorus of her song. So free, so bold, and her song as delicate as a flower. This was who she was now, she was the bird on the line. Under the bird, in purple letters, was a phrase that said, “ Sing your song for the world to hear.”

“I will, I promise I will.” she thought inwardly. Turning the book over she looked at the price tag. Thankfully she had the amount of money to buy it and maybe even more left over! Clutching the book to her chest, she walked over to the counter.

Getting in line, she stood there for about five minutes until it was her turn to buy. The cashier looked like a rather friendly mare. Her pink mane was cut into short bangs that curled at the end with a white strip going through it.

She wore a wide smile as did her violet eyes, and freckles dabbed her chubby cheeks.  Her coat was a deep lavender, but most of it was hidden by her murky green clerk apron. It had one pocket were a pen was sticking out and on the right shoulder was her name tag. It said, “Hello, my name is:  Pepper Flakes”

“How can I help you today ma'am?” she said in a squeaky voice.

Fluttertree laid the book on the counter. “I’d like to buy this today please.”

“Well...since you said please, I suppose I could let you buy it,” she winked teasingly.

The pegasus gave a small giggle which seems to satisfy the mare. “So, is this all?” she asked.

Fluttertree nodded and the earth pony picked up the diary and looked at the price tag. She disappeared behind the counter and returned with a large, and heavy looking book.

“Do you need help with that?” she asked.

“No thanks,” she panted as she struggled to get the book on the counter. Slamming it down she said, “I need the exercise anyway.”

Taking the pen out of her pocket, she began to scribble down some letters and numbers. As she was writing, she took a few quick glances at odd mare who seemed lost in thought. “So...you new here in Ponyville?” she asked, closing the book.

“What?” Fluttertree asked surprised.

“Well,” she said setting the book back behind the counter, “I haven’t see you around town and I’m positive never in here.” She stood back up and laid both hooves on the counter in a laid-back matter way. “So, I was just curious if you’ve EVER been to ponyville before now?” she shrugged.

“What does she mean “have I ever been to ponyville before”? Of course I have, I’ve helped save it after all. Why doesn't she recognize me? Don’t I look like Fluttershy-.....I don’t….Ugh! I’m so stupid. Why didn’t I expect this type of thing? No pony would recognize me for all the new changes. Well...maybe this is a good thing. To her I’m a new pony and since, in a sense, I am this is good publicity for me,” she thought inwardly.

To the mare she said,” No, not really.”

The mare nodded. “Figures. I have pretty good memory and I don’t ever remember meeting you.”

“Well….I’ve never actually been to ponyville, but I do live close to it,”  she said, rubbing her foreleg sheepishly.

“Oh! that’s nice! Well, I hope you’ll be visiting our nice little town often! Exciting things happen here, like for instance something happened this very afternoon!” she said matter-of-factly .

“Oh, what could that something be?” she asked wondering what she has missed.

“Well, first ya should know we’ve had a pretty scorching week, and I mean SORCHING! Anyway, because it was so hot some customers said that a mares house had caught on fire!”, she said. her eyes going wide.

“What! another fire?” she thought, but said out loud, “Goodness! that’s terrible.”

The mare nodded her head, “I know right!?”

“Was anyone hurt?”

“Well, no. But her house was almost burnt to the ground and her garden was completely burned up! All the plants and hard work were burned up. Poof!” she said, using her hooves to

“That’s so sad,” she said. “Could she possibly be talking about Rose’s house?” she thought.

 “I know right? Well, then something really interesting happened,” she said excitedly.

“What?”

The mare looked around the shop for any eavesdroppers before leaning forward, signing for her to do the same. In a rather hushed tone she said,” Well, some of the customers happened to be there when it happened. Now, know I’m just telling you what they said, but...they said that a really strange mare did something..”

“What?” Fluttertree whispered the question, though she had a feeling she knew the answer.

“...They said she took the seeds from the mare that she had left over..and right then and there, she made them grow!” she almost squeaked with excitement. “Ahem. Anyway, they said it was a form of nature magic or something. Kinda hard to believe right? But they said she stuck..a vine I think they said? She stuck it into the ground and they just shot up within minutes!”

Fluttertree faked a gasp, “really?!”

“Yes!” Pepper said enthusiastically, “But get this. You know I said she used nature magic? Well, she wasn’t even a UNICORN! Weird right?”

“Amazing,” she said, pretending to be surprised, but inwardly giggling at the mares awe and excitement.

“I know right! I wish I had been there. She sounds SO cool. Maybe I might pass her if she’s still in town today. I’d love to ask her how she did it,” she wistfully.

The mare could hardly contain her laughter, much less keep from smiling she asked, “well..what di-did she look like?”

The mare tapped her chin with her hoof. “Well, they said she had long, waving pink hair that turned green when she used her magic...kinda like yours. Then she had glowing blue eyes, kind of your hue, and a yellow coat that’s right around the hue that you have. Oh! and she had leafy wings instead of feathers, kinda like….y-yours.” She stopped, her expression was a bit blank, but grew to be one of confusion as she looked the mare over.

“Y-you...don’t...couldn’t be….could you?” she stuttered. Fluttershy had to muster all her self control, not to laugh and simply grinned. The mare's eyes went wide with realization. “No way, YOU are the mare everyone has been talking about!?”

Fluttershy nodded, giggling. The mare did as well, but much more boisterous. “T-this is incredible! So you grew plants with no horn? That’s so cool. How did you do it?” she asked.

Fluttertree shrugged, “it’s a long story.”

“Well I’d love to hear it sometime. Maybe you could teach me your trick?” she said, elbowing her on the shoulder.

Before Fluttertree could respond, a loud and gruff voice from behind shouted, “Hey, cut the chit chat I have books to buy!”

Pepper looked over Fluttertree’s shoulder and said with disinterest, “Alright, alright. Keep yer yapper shut I’m hurrying.”

“Yeah? Well, not fast enough,” the stallion grumbled.

“Sheesh,” the mare mumbled before turning to the pegasus. “That’s Mr. Book Worm. He comes here every day to buy books. He’s a little…” she stopped and waved her hoof in a circle on one side of her head, “...if you know what I mean.”

Fluttertree just giggled at the gesture. “Well, that’ll be twenty bits,” said pepper, holding out her hoof. Fluttertree reached into the bag and pulled out the need amount of coins. In return, Pepper handed her the dairy.

“Alright, I guess I’ll be seeing you…..I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

“Fluttertree,”  she answered.

“That’s a nice name! Fitting to. Well, have a good day Fluttertree. I hope we can see each other again someday,” she smiled.

“Thanks, and it was nice meeting you too Pepper. Maybe someday we will meet,” Fluttertree said.

Pepper waved as the mare headed for the shop door and said, “By!”

“By!” She responded before exiting the building.

As the door closed behind her, she stood still. “What should I do with this extra money? I want to put it to a good cause...” She thought and looked around. Suddenly, she spotted a filly not two shops away with a pail and a sign that read “Please help animal shelter.”

“Perfect!” she thought and trotted over to the filly. As she dropped the rest of her coins into the bucket, she heard a shout from behind.

“There she is!” said the voice.

Turning around, she saw two mares she recognised as Daisy and Lilly, and a third mare that she had never seen before coming straight for her.

She had the feeling of wanting to cower, but it was quickly pushed aside and she stood ready to greet them with a smile.

“Hello, can I help you?” she said once the mares were in more than two feet away.

“That’s her, the mare we were talking telling you about,” said lilly turning to the mare Fluttertree didn’t recognise.

“Hm..I see,” said the mare. She seemed rather old as lines of age were visible. Her blue many was curled up in to small bun with frills. A dark blue as her coat was, they were nothing compared to the almost black eyes that were looking over Fluttertree with an air.

The inspection complete, she held out her hoof with politeness and said, “Hello, I am Mrs. Flora Petal, but you may call me Mrs. Flora. And you are?”

“Um, Fluttertree. Nice to meet you Mrs. Flora,” she said, shaking hooves. “Is there something you want?”

“Yes actually,” she said shoving her glass up her muzzle, “Lilly and Daisy here tell me you have a certain...gift with nature.”

“It was amazing!” added Lilly enthusiastically turning to Fluttertree, “ That was just awesome what you did out there, helping Rose. Daisy and I saw you do it, didn’t we Daisy?”

The mare nodded, excited as her friend and said,“ Oh yes. it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! Just amazing!”

“Alright girls, that’s enough,” she said a bit sternly, raising her hoof and immediately the girls stopped.

“Now, to business. Since it seems you have a great talent with nature I, as chairmen of the Nature Society, would like to cordially invite you to our next meeting tomorrow. Maybe you could show all of us garden loving ponies a thing or two?” she said seriously.

Normally, she was too shy to going any organization much less participate in it, but then again, she wasn’t normal. Here was a chance to do something different , meet someone new, be something different. And by Celestia’s name she was going to do it.

Holding her head up high she said proudly, “I’d be honored to be there. What time?”

“Precisely at two o'clock sharp,” she said.

“Alright, I’ll be there.”

She nodded slightly “Very well. Until tomorrow,” Mrs. Flora  said before walking away, Daisy and Lilly trying to keep up and still steal glances at Fluttertree.

Fluttershy  smiled. “I’ll be there.”